5 Helpful Tips for New Orthodontic Patients

McClellan Orthodontics

The braces are on, and you are now on your journey to a straighter smile! As a new patient at McClellan Orthodontics, we know that you may not be excited about wearing your braces, but we also know that when all is said and done, you will be thrilled with the results of your new smile.

Adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, braces are pretty low maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to make your orthodontic experience more effective and comfortable.

1. Know What to Expect - When you first get braces, it’s perfectly normal for your teeth and mouth to be sore and/or tender. Your lips, cheeks, and gums may also be irritated for up to two weeks while they get used to the braces. Try a saltwater rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever to help reduce the amount of pain or discomfort you feel.

2. Give Yourself Some Time - Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after some time, your teeth will start shifting and you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable.

3. Avoid Bad Habits - When you have braces, you’ll have to choose between breaking your bad habits or breaking your braces. Biting your fingernails, chewing on pen caps or ice cubes, or not following proper oral hygiene instructions all pose threats to your brackets and wires. Continuing these habits can lead to costly orthodontic emergency appointments and may delay your overall treatment time.

4. Brush and Floss Often - Orthodontic patients should brush after every meal to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and to reach the front, back, and top of each tooth. We also recommend that you floss every evening before bed so that food particles and germs don’t attack your teeth and gums. We want your teeth to be just as healthy after braces as they were before!

5. Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you are wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you are experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any poking wires so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, do not be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give McClellan Orthodontics a call.

 

Adjusting is Easy

McClellan Orthodontics

You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless, we know you will totally be thrilled with the result of your new smile.  As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so we are here to help with a few tips on adjusting to your new braces.

Tip #1:  Give Yourself Time

Your braces may not be what you expected, but after a while, when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth alignment and smile look. Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation won’t be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation.

Tip #2: Be Confident

Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and know that your smile will look amazing very soon!

Tip #3:  Know What To Do

• Be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups:

• Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.

• Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.

• Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.

• Always schedule your next appointment before leaving the office. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to overtime treatment.

If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call at our Kenilworth office.

Christmas Treat to Avoid this Holiday

The Holidays are here and that means snow, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

Tips for a Healthy Smile from McClellan and Sagun Orthodontics

I Just Got Braces - Now What?

At McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile but you are probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time. What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural.

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort.   If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

If you have any questions or concerns our team is here to help you! You can call us at (847) 251-6228. We can also help with a few tips at your next appointment,  just ask!