Care and Maintenance

Questions? We're Here for You When You Need Us

Sometimes questions come up during orthodontic treatment. Our caring team is here to offer the advice you need, and Dr. Coleman is available after hours for emergencies. Considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child? We offer easy payment plans and accept most insurance. Call now for a consultation.

Caring for Your Braces: Watch What You Eat

Certain foods, especially sticky, sugary foods, are more difficult to clean off braces. This can lead to tooth decay, holes and staining. Hard, crunchy or chewy foods can lead to broken brackets and wires, which could require a longer treatment time. If you're not sure which foods are okay, ask Dr. Coleman.

Foods to Limit or Avoid During Treatment

NO GUM - Sugarless or otherwise

NO STICKY/CHEWY FOODS - For example, caramels, caramel apples, Sugar Babies®, Sugar Daddies®, Starbursts®, licorice, Tootsie Rolls®, Now and Laters®, toffee, gummy bears, marshmallows, Skittles® and other chewy candy

NO HARD FOODS - For example, corn on the cob, ice, nuts, pizza crust, Doritos®, corn chips, hard pretzels, raw carrots, raw apples, bagels, popcorn, hard candy and Jolly Ranchers®

LIMIT - For example, carbonated beverages, juice, and dark-colored drinks

Do not chew on pens, pencils or fingernails!

Solutions to Common Problems

Loose band/bracket - If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. Put wax on it if it is uncomfortable. If it comes completely out, put it in a safe place and bring it with you to your appointment.

Loose wire - Try to replace the wire with tweezers into the appropriate brace. If this isn't possible, place wax on it if it is uncomfortable. If it is extremely uncomfortable, you may clip the wire with fingernail clippers as close as possible to the next brace.

Poking wire - Try to push the poking wire down with a pencil eraser or place wax until you can come into our office.

Lost color tie - Call our office.

Soreness - Rinse with warm saltwater for 30 seconds four times a day for three days. Take Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain.

Headgear doesn't fit - This can be caused by not wearing your headgear correctly. If the facebow is bent, call our office immediately.

Loose appliance - If the appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it. If your jaw is locked open or the appliance is broken, call our office immediately.

Lost spacer - Call our office to schedule to have it replaced.

If you have a tooth knocked out - Time is of the essence. Gently rinse off the tooth (do not scrub it), reinsert it into the tooth socket if possible, and call us immediately. If you are unable to reach us, go to the emergency room. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, gently rinse the tooth off, place it in either milk or water, and bring it to us or the emergency room.

Questions? Feel free to give us a call. If you're unable to solve any of these problems on your own and need after-hours assistance, contact our staff at (423) 717-2620.