Resources
On the First Day of Banding, You Will Receive:
- Air Flosser
- Wax
- Flouride
- Bite Waffer
- Floss
- Mini Proxy Brush
- A Dr. Brad Mills T-Shirt
Problems & Solutions
You may be able to solve many braces problems temporarily by yourself until you schedule a repair appointment with our office.
| Problem | Home Solutions |
|---|---|
| Loose Bracket or Band | If bracket or band is still attached to wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, put in a zip and bring it in with you. |
| Loose Wire | Try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wite with fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it. |
| Poking Wire | Place wax on it. |
| Lost Tiewire or Rubberband Hook | Notify us as soon as possible |
| Soreness | Use warm salt water rinses and/or Tylenol* |
| Loose Appliance | If appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it. |
Brushing & Flossing
Flossing
Insert floss behind archwire using floss threaders. Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up and down motion. Floss between teeth once a day.
Brushing
- Brush 3-4 times a day: morning, noon, dinner, bedtime
- Brush under, above, behind and around ALL surfaces of the tooth AND braces
- Brush inside and outside of both top and bottom gums
- Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing
USE A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH! BRUSH SLOWLY! TAKE YOUR TIME!
SEE YOUR GENERAL DENTIST REGULARLY WHILE WEARING THE BRACES!
Foods To Avoid
Avoid Sticky Foods
Caramels
Caramel Apples
Toffee
Sugar Daddies
Sugar Babies
Tootsie Rolls
Starburst
Laffy Taffy
Gummy Bears
Avoid Hard Foods
Nuts
Pizza Crust
Popcorn
Hard Pretzels
Beef Jerky
Ice
Apples & Carrots (unless cooked or cut up into small pieces)
Eat Less:
Candy
Cake
Ice Cream
Pie
Cookies
Food With Sugar
Drink Less:
Soda
Drinks With Sugar
