2828 Coral Way Suite: 430

Miami, FL 33145

Phone: (305) 569-9927 Fax: (305)569-9644

Orthodontic Guidelines

A bracket (brace) came off or wire pops out!

During treatment, wires may slip out from the bracket slots or a brackets may just pop out of place this is perfectly normal. This may be avoided by eating the appropriate foods your orthodontist recommends. If the wire or bracket comes out of place using tweezers you can just clip the wire up to the next bracket, place a little bit of wax to keep everything in place until your next appointment. If you are not in pain, this is not a true emergency. Please call and schedule to have the brace reattached when it is convenient. Wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area. Rinse often with warm salt water to help heal irritated area.

  • Do not bite through hard foods with your front teeth. This may loosen your front brackets.
  • Do not chew on pens, pencils, or fingernails as this may break parts of your braces.

Hard foods & sticky foods can break brackets, loosen bands, and bend wires.

Avoid hard foods such as:
Apples or Carrots (unless cooked or cut into small pieces)
Ice – Do not chew on ice!
Nuts
Corn on the Cob
Popcorn

Avoid sticky foods such as:
Taffy
Caramels
Gummy bears
any sticky candy in general

Jerky
Hard Pretzels
Pizza Crust

Peanut Brittle
Bagel

Hard Candy

What to expect

During the first week of treatment, you may notice sores or ulcerations inside your mouth. This can happen because your lips and cheeks are not yet used to rubbing against your orthodontic braces. Over time, your skin on the inside of your mouth will get tougher and you will not have sores anymore. To provide some relief for your lips and cheeks rubbing against your rough braces, you can place a small pea-sized amount of wax or cotton on the area of the braces that is causing the sore or ulceration. The sore should improve within a couple of days and completely heal within a week.Teeth may become sore or achy following an orthodontic activation appointment. Usually the teeth are most sore during the first 24-72 hours. After 72 hours, the teeth usually start feeling better. Maintain a soft food diet as needed. If necessary, take the pain reliever you would use for a headache.