• How do I brush and floss with my braces?
• Are there any foods I can’t have?
• What happens if . . . .?
• What should I do after hours in an emergency?
• What should I do in an emergency during office hours?
• What about Retainers?

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Please browse our catalog of frequently asked questions. If your question is not available, contact us at (352) 332-7466 or via e-mail

How do I brush and floss with my braces?

When your braces are placed you will be given a packet of aids for dental care while in braces and we will go over instructions thoroughly at that time. You will receive written instructions as well. We have rewards for patients who keep their teeth clean!

Brush as often as possible! When you brush, make sure you get under, over, behind and around all surfaces of the teeth and braces. Also, rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.

Use your Proxybrush between teeth, under the wire.

Use Phosflur, a fluoride rinse available over the counter at drug stores, every night.

When you floss, insert the floss behind the archwire. Gently clean the sides of your teeth and under your gums with an up-and-down motion. Gently slide the floss out from between the teeth and proceed with the next tooth.

Be sure to schedule regular visits with your general dentist while you wear braces. The dentist needs to continue dental cleanings and monitor for cavities and other dental needs.

Are there any foods I can’t have?

There are some foods and drinks you should eat less of or avoid completely when you are in treatment and some foods you will just need to change how you eat them. We want to help you straighten your teeth as easily and quickly as possible. In order to do that, we’ll need your help! We have rewards for patients who keep their braces intact!

During your treatment:

• Avoid all hard, sticky, chewy foods and candy. No hard chips (like Fritos), large hard pretzels, hard candies, gummies, taffy, etc.

• Chew only sugarless gum. Do not have regular chewing gum or bubble gum.

• Drink much less drinks with sugar especially sodas. It is also best to brush or rinse with water after drinking these .

• Be very careful when eating hard foods, like apples, bagels, pizza crusts and chips. Cut or break these into small bite size pieces and chew gently.

• Cut corn off the cob and meat from bones.

• Don’t chew on pens, pencils or your fingernails.

What happens if . . . .?

• Loose Band or Bracket

If still attached to the wire, leave it in place and try to put wax on it. If the band or bracket is completely out, keep it for us and call to let us know on the next business day.

• Loose Wire

Try to put it back in place with tweezers. If you aren’t able to re-insert the wire, clip the wire using fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is still fastened. If that is uncomfortable, place wax on the wire.

• Poking Wire

Try to push it down using the eraser end of a pencil. If that is not possible, place wax on it.

• Sore Teeth

Use warm salt water rinses and take Tylenol or Ibuprofen as recommended for your age. Some soreness is common.

• Loose Appliance

Place wax on it.

• Ulcer

If you have an ulcer on your cheeks or gums we recommend using Colgate Sooth-N-Seal, Zilactin, or Orabase–B for comfort. Also place wax on the bracket or wire causing the irritation. These ulcers will generally take 7-10 days to heal. Warm salt water rinses may also aid healing. Call us if a lesion lasts more than 2 weeks.

If you have tried these remedies unsuccessfully and wax is not enough to make you comfortable to get through until the next business day, please call the office for the emergency doctor on call. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 352-332-7466.

What should I do after hours in an emergency?

A doctor is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of an orthodontic emergency, call our office at 352-332-7466 and follow the recorded instructions to get in touch with a doctor immediately. One of the doctors will return your call as soon as possible and talk you through a solution or the doctor may decide you need to be seen right away.

What should I do in an emergency during office hours?

Please call the office at 352-332-7466 and we will help you with a solution over the phone or schedule you an emergency appointment.

What about Retainers?

Retainers are generally used to hold teeth in their existing positions. Occasionally they can be used to align very mild problems.

After braces are removed and/or active treatment is completed, you enter the retention phase. Teeth have amazing memories and if not retained they will move back to their original position. So, retainer wear is extremely important.