Adjusting to Orthodontics in
Seattle, WA

Here at our Orthodontics of Burien, we believe that successful treatment and great results are the product of open communication, patient education and comfort during treatment. That is why we want to make sure that you are fully prepared for your experience with braces and know how to approach certain situations while wearing them. Below, our Seattle, WA orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta has outlined certain instructions that pertain to different aspects of your daily life and guidelines to follow while you are wearing braces.

Whether you have a loose wire or are unsure if you can eat a certain food, we are always here to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us if we have not answered your question below!

Eating with Braces

What can you eat? Let's talk about what you shouldn't eat! For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. This pain can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. You can also put wax on the braces to lessen this. We'll show you how when you get your braces on!

Loosening of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new, corrected positions.

Loose Wire Tie or Elastic

Don't be alarmed if a wire tie or elastic comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating:

• Use a blunt instrument (the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire tie under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way.
• If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance.
• Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete your treatment plan, as our patient you must work together with Dr. Peralta. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands or other appliances that our Seattle orthodontist prescribes. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Athletics

If you play sports, it's very important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call our office at once for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.

Schedule an Appointment!

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you have come to the right place! Dr. Peralta has treated thousands of children, teens and adults throughout the greater Seattle, WA area and has the experience and expertise to deliver fantastic results. We invite you to schedule an appointment with us using our online form or by giving our office a call. If you have any questions at all, one of our team members will be happy to assist you. We look forward to guiding you and your family toward healthy, beautiful smiles!