Instructions for New Dental Braces Patients

These instructions are for patients who have just started their dental braces treatment.

1. Your teeth may be painful at first
   For the first 2-3 days, your teeth may become painful as they move. However, this is only temporary and will settle down. You may also get some ulcers in your mouth. Again, this will heal quickly in a few days.  You will be given special wax to put over the brace, to prevent the brace from damaging your gums and cheeks and causing ulcers. Sometime your orthodontist may prescribe you a medicine to ease pain.

2. Be careful of what you eat
   Try to eat soft food. All food should be cut into small pieces, especially fruit such as guava or apples. Avoid all foods that are sticky or hard.

You should avoid the following things:

1. Hard foods, e.g. toffees
2. Sticky foods e.g. chewing gum
3. Sugary food and drink e.g. fizzy drinks
4. Biting fingernails, pen lids.
5. Peanuts, popcorn
6. Crisps

You should try:

1. Drink soft drinks through a straw
2. Clean right away after drinking a soft drink; if you can’t clean immediately, at least rinse with water
3. Drink the soft drink quickly; avoid sipping over a long time.