Download Braces Care - Cliffside Park Dentist, Dr. Catherine Ruiz, Cliffside

ANDERSON FAMILY DENTAL
CATHERINE RUIZ ,D.D.S.
620 ANDERSON AVE., CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ 07010
TEL (201) 840-1600
FAX (201) 840-9592
BRACES CARE
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Braces!! Congratulations!
Today is the first step on your journey to a beautiful smile! We are thrilled to have you as part of
our patient family! We promise to take great care of you. It is important that you understand that
the success and length of your treatment is partially dependant on your cooperation. Here is
some important information for you to know in order to take care of your new “hardware”.
What To Expect…
In the next few hours your teeth are going to “loosen up” and get ready to move. As this happens
your teeth may become tender. It is a good idea to start taking Advil, Motrin or Tylenol as soon as
you get your braces on to help prevent some of the discomfort. You will want to eat soft foods
over the next few days until the tenderness subsides. Remember, the soreness is temporary.
The tissues (cheeks, tongue and lips) around your braces are not used to your new appliances
and may become irritated. We have provided you with wax to prevent getting sore spots. Your
tissue will eventually “toughen up”, but to start with USE YOUR WAX. Simply dry off the bracket
with a paper towel and then tear off a small piece of wax and mold it around the bracket with your
fingers.
Dos and Don’ts…for your appliances

Do avoid all sticky foods like gum, caramel, taffy, skittles and gummy bears.

Don’t listen to people that say it is OK to chew gum with braces!!!

Do cut up all fruits and vegetables into bite size pieces and cut corn off of the cob.
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Don’t chew on ice, lifesavers, hard candy, corn chips, pretzels or Fritos.
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Do ask us for an orthodontic mouth guard if you play any sport where you can get
hit in the mouth.
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Don’t chew on pens, pencils or your fingernails.

Do THINK before you toss hard foods in your mouth.

Don’t forget that every time something in your mouth is loose or broken, your
treatment automatically becomes LONGER. We want your treatment to be short and
FUN!

Do drink things that are low in sugar and not carbonated.

Don’t drink more than one soda per week.

Do brush your teeth EVERY TIME you eat – Never leave food on your braces! Food
gets trapped around the braces, especially at the gumline. We will check your hygiene
at every visit to make sure that you are doing a good job because we don’t want you
to have stains on your teeth at the end of treatment.

Don’t forget to floss often – set aside some extra time during your busy day to take
care of your braces!

Do come see us every six weeks for your adjustments.

Don’t forget to call if you have something loose or broken! We need to know in
Do Your Best!