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Neal Smiles Orthodontics Blog Page

Friday, March 29, 2013

I Got My Braces. Now What?

Congratulations! We're so excited to get started and welcome you to our office! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before your orthodontic treatment began. Here's a few helpful tips from Dr. Michelle Neal. We're excited to help you every step of the way!


How do I keep my teeth clean?
Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why we recommend that you brush after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxa-brush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We also recommend the use of ClinPro, a calcium and fluoride paste daily. When your braces are initially placed, you may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will experience.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy foods that can stick to your teeth and brackets, which can damage the braces. It’s critical to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office so we can determine if an appointment is needed. Be sure to visit our website for more emergency help and tips, foods to avoid and patient videos!

How do I maintain my oral health during treatment?
In addition to visiting our office for regular adjustments, you should visit your dentist every six months (or as recommended by your doctor) for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning. Dr. Michelle Neal offers extra Neal Notes for visiting your dentist, check out our Neal Notes page for more details!

Questions? Please call our office or leave your comments here! Dr. Michelle Neal and her highly skilled team are here to help you every step of the way! Let us help you achieve the smile you've dreamed of by scheduling a complimentary consultation today!

Michelle Fogg Neal, DDS
(425) 823-1234
www.nealsmiles.com