BRACES

Foods
Foods get stuck around your braces, causing plaque, tooth decay and bad breath. Try to avoid sugary, sticky or hard foods. Avoid chewing on ice, nuts or anything else that could loosen the cement that bonds the braces to your teeth. Drinking less soda pop and drinks with sugar will also help your teeth to stay healthy. Consuming healthy foods and avoiding the bad ones will even help your treatment time.

Brushing and Flossing Tips
· Brush and floss twice daily and after every meal to ensure proper removal of foods around your braces.
· Proper brushing with braces includes pushing the bristles under the wire and between teeth.
· Flossing is done under the wire; please consult your orthodontist or hygienist for instructions.
· Brushing and flossing might be uncomfortable for the first week after the braces are attached, but it will begin to get easier with practice and time.
· If pain continues or if you have questions, contact your orthodontist.

HEADGEAR
This appliance will play an extremely important role in your orthodontic treatment. It applies the necessary force to your teeth to help achieve the result desired. In order to be effective, it must be worn as directed.

Tips
· Headgear should be worn a minimum of 12 to 14 hours or as directed. It should be worn each night while you sleep and enough daytime hours to reach the required amount of use. The headgear shouldn't be worn during outside activities or active sports. YtJur teeth
may occasionally become sore. Continue wearing your headgear, and the soreness should decrease as your teeth become used to the pressure.
· "Rest periods" of 10-15 minutes can be helpful when you are first getting used to your headgear. The initial discomfort will diminish as you become accustomed to wearing the gear.
· If you wear the headgear more than the minimum amount, treatment will progress much faster, and your braces can come off earlier.
· Treatment time is dependent on your cooperation with the headgear. If you have questions or experience problems, notify your orthodontist immediately.

RETAINERS
Once braces are removed, a retainer needs to be worn to hold your teeth in place. This prevents your teeth from moving back to their initial position. Wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist to prevent a relapse of your teeth.

Brushing and Flossing
Brush all parts of the retainer with cold water every time you brush your teeth. If your retainer is attached, clean beneath it with a prescribed wash, and floss at least once daily.

Tips
· wear your retainer as prescribed
· Only remove the retainer for brushing, flossing or eating.
· When the retainer is removed, place it in the retainer case, not in a pocket or on a table.
· If the retainer is lost or broken, call your orthodontist immediately.
· Clean the retainer by brushing and soaking in mouthwash or denture cleanser.

With proper care, your treatment for orthodontic problems will be as painless and effective as possible. Treatment length is dependent on your cooperation with treatment appliances and proper oral hygiene. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your orthodontist or family dentist.