Oral Care

We are going to start on a long term treatment in order to improve the positions of your teeth so they will not only last longer but look better. However, it is only with your cooperation that the treatment can be successful and the time for the treatment to be kept to a minimum. Dr. Davids from Rego Park Orthodontics would appreciate your cooperation in many ways. Please follow the instructions below.

How Does It Feel?

Soreness is to be expected for 3-4 days after placing the appliance in your mouth. This is not due to the bulk and edges of the brackets, and the bands around the molar teeth but also due to the slight preassure that is initially applied on teeth and its supporting structures. For relief, use the medicine you use for a headache or a slight pain due to a minor injury.

What Will You Eat?

You will be able to enjoy a normal meal after the first few days. In the beginning a soft diet is frequently more comfortable. Take small bites and chew slowly. Avoid bones and other hard foods even if your teeth feel fine. You don’t want the brackets to come off the teeth causing discomfort, extra visits and prolonging the length of treatment. The following is a list of foods you should avoid.

Foods to Avoid

In general you should avoid anything sticky, chewy or hard. The following is a list of food items to avoid.

• Candy
• Chewing gum
• Taffy
• Caramels
• Candy apples
• Tootsie rolls
• Peanut chews
• Juicy Fruits
• Tootsie rolls
• Jelly beans
• Hard cookies
• Popcorn corn
• Bagels
• Spare ribs
• Nuts
• Pretzels