Congratulations on your new braces!  Now what?

Once you get braces, it is really important to take care of them properly. They need to last throughout your entire treatment so that they can do their job of giving you a smile of which you can be proud. Please watch this video to learn more from Dr. Piepenbrink!

Please be careful about what you eat. You should avoid any foods that may damage your braces. Chewy, crunchy, and sticky foods need to be avoided. You should also avoid hard foods. It is also important to avoid foods that you need to bite into like corn on the cob, apples, and other fruits and vegetables.

If you are struggling with the restrictions, just remember there are plenty of things you can eat. You can eat dairy and meats, as long as they are soft. Many people with braces continue to eat seafood. You can eat breads and grains. Most fruits and vegetables are allowed, as long as they are soft. There are also many treats you can have. For example, you can still have ice cream, milkshakes, and cake.

Just remember that treatment won’t be long, and it will be worth it to have a smile and teeth of which you are proud!

When you first get braces, it is normal to feel tender while your mouth adjusts to them. Just remember that this is temporary. You will not feel like this forever, but if it is really bothering you, you can dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water and gargle this for several minutes. This should help. If it does not, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

• It is common for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to experience irritation as your mouth gets used to the braces. They need to toughen a little bit. We do have some wax that you can put on your braces to help the tenderness.
• It is important for you to take proper care of your braces so that they can do their job. It is also important that you wear rubber bands  as prescribed; otherwise it may take even longer for you to get the smile for which you have been waiting.
• Many people worry about playing sports while wearing braces. You are allowed to continue to play, though we recommend wearing a mouthguard or lip guard to protect your mouth and braces.

If you suffer from a sports emergency, please contact us right away.  Dr. Richards cell phone number is 309-781-9901. Dr Piepenbrink’s cell phone number is 309-236-8563.