Woo! You've started your orthodontic treatment with lingual braces. Congratulations!
As with all orthodontic treatment, having lingual braces requires extra care on your part. Keeping your lingual braces clean and maintaining good oral hygiene are vital to your orthodontic care. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time (we recommend Colgate Total toothpaste)
- Swish with mouthwash or use a Waterpik twice a day for at least 30 seconds each time (we recommend ACT or Listerine)
- Floss with orthodontic flossers (currently available at Walmart and Weis, etc.)
It's important to continue getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist routinely! This will help decrease the risk of cavities or stains when your lingual braces are removed.
During the first few days with lingual braces, you may have a lisp. This is temporary! You'll get used to the feeling of the braces behind your teeth, and your speaking will return to normal. It's not unusual for your tongue or cheeks to feel a little discomfort while your mouth is getting used to the appliances. This will also subside after a few days!
Sometimes when you first start treatment, wires will poke, or brackets will pop off. These issues commonly happen when moisture is in the mouth during placement, a patient eats certain foods (sticky or hard), etc. If you experience problems with your lingual braces, don't panic! We're here to help; call Shoe Orthodontics to schedule an appointment for repair or reattachment. You won't have to visit our office on the same day unless you're experiencing a great deal of discomfort.
During treatment, it's also vital for you to avoid foods that will damage your lingual braces or cause you pain. You should avoid any hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Some of the foods you should avoid include:
- Bubble Gum (sugar or sugarless)
- Hard Sourdough Pretzels
- Gobstoppers
- Snickers Bars
- Nuts
- Hard Bagels
- Laffy Taffy
- Swedish Fish
- Apples and Carrots should be sliced thin to eat
- Beef Jerky
- Kettle Chips
- Popcorn
- Gummy Bears
- Chewing on pens or pencils
- Starburst
- Ice
- Bottle Caps
That list might seem daunting, but don't worry about it! There are still a lot of foods you can eat. Most of the foods you may be used to enjoy are still up for grabs. You can still eat meats, steamed vegetables, all kinds of pasta, ice cream, milkshakes, cake, chocolate, and so much more.
We're so excited to help you get the healthy and beautiful smile you've always wanted. If you need any help with your lingual braces or have questions, we're here to help! Contact Shoe Orthodontics for more information.
The Team at Shoe Orthodontics
