Tips for Successful Treatment

oral hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is critical to maintaining proper gum health and avoiding damage to the tooth structure during orthodontic treatment.

Plaque that remains around your braces for long periods of time can lead to permanent “white spot lesions” or cavities. Brushing at least twice a day and using floss is necessary. Water flossers are great at removing debris, but do not replace regular brushing and flossing. Our team will be closely monitoring your oral hygiene throughout treatment, communicating concerns to your dentist, and providing the necessary coaching to maintain optimal oral health. Please visit the Amazon store for Dr. Keener’s recommended care products.

Person holding a dental model with braces and cleaning the teeth with a pink toothbrush.

foods to avoid

Braces only work when the wire and brackets stay on your teeth! Accidents happen, but to avoid unnecessary trips to our office, try to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods during your treatment. Some common foods to avoid are ice, hard candy, taffy, nuts, etc. Hard fruits like apples should be cut into smaller slices. Avoid sugary and highly carbonated drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sweet tea. These drinks not only have a high sugar content, but are also very acidic - creating an environment where bacteria thrive and can lead to enamel demineralization.

A metal bowl filled with freshly popped popcorn on a white marble surface.
Close-up of crushed ice cubes.
A pile of red apples with shiny skin, some with yellow streaks and speckles, arranged closely together.
Close-up of roasted almonds scattered together.
A healthcare professional in navy scrubs, wearing a black face mask and purple gloves, tending to a young patient lying on a dental chair. Her mother stands nearby observing.

emergencies

We hope that your treatment is a smooth process. However, brackets and wires can break. Most often, these are painless events and can be managed at home by clipping a wire, removing a broken bracket, or using ortho wax. Should you or your child experience a broken bracket or a wire that causes discomfort, please give us a call! We will schedule a visit as soon as possible.