Life With Braces in Fleming Island
When you receive treatment at Aiosa and Hoffman Orthodontics in Fleming Island, you become part of our orthodontic family. We understand that there are many options for providers of treatment, and we strive to be the best to ensure your complete smile success!
Eating with Braces
Typically, all foods are fine to eat while wearing braces. Some foods will require cutting up into smaller bites while wearing braces. For example, biting into an apple will become difficult and you will need to cut the apple into bite-size pieces. Another food that can be hard to eat with braces is corn on the cob—you will need to take the corn off the cob in order to eat it.
The main thing to avoid with braces is chewy sticky candy. Sticky and chewy candies can cause the braces to become loose from the teeth. Additionally, any hard crunchy foods can cause the braces to become loose from the teeth.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
We recommend brushing and flossing after every meal when in orthodontic appliances. When you get your braces, we will provide you with all the needed tools and products to keep your teeth and braces clean, and spend time showing you the techniques and items necessary for proper brushing and flossing. Some patients require additional appointments while in braces for us to reiterate proper brushing and flossing home care, which we provide at no additional cost.
While in orthodontic treatment, it is important to maintain regular visits with your general dentist, as we will work closely with them to help maintain your dental health.
Dealing with Discomfort
It is important to note that it does not hurt to have your braces placed. Many things about having braces placed on your teeth can feel weird or new, but the appointment does not cause pain. Most patients, within two weeks of having their braces placed, report that they no longer feel discomfort or soreness from the braces.
While in orthodontic treatment, it is not uncommon for a part of your braces to become loose or detached from the teeth. Please call our Fleming Island orthodontic office as soon as possible so we can repair the appliances. If the braces are loose or broken, they will not work properly.
If you experience breakage that causes pain or discomfort outside of office hours, please call and listen to our voicemail to contact our on call assistant/doctor. We always have someone on call for needed appointments due to pain or discomfort.
Ensuring Smile Success
There are many key factors to ensure orthodontic treatment success:
- Proper brushing and flossing while in orthodontic treatment. We need a healthy foundation for successful orthodontic tooth movement. Poor brushing can lead to gum disease or white spots on the teeth.
- Minimize carbonated beverages and sugary snacks while in orthodontic treatment.
- Pay close attention to breakage of your orthodontic appliances while in treatment. Patients who have numerous brackets that come loose from the teeth can often get behind in their orthodontic treatment. Please call our office as soon as possible when you feel something loose or broken
- Maintaining your regular dental appointments with your general dentist. It is vital to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Our office does not have the proper X-rays to check for dental decay.
- Following all directions given to you by Dr. Aiosa, Dr. Hoffman, and the assistants. There are things such as bite-correcting elastics that we will ask you to wear throughout treatment. These things are crucial to your treatment being successful and completed in a timely manner.
- Make sure to keep all appointments. If you are not seen in the office for your scheduled orthodontic adjustment, then the appliances may not be doing what they need to do. Please call us if you miss or need to reschedule so we can get you in as soon as possible.
