What To Expect Along Your Journey To A Great Smile
Tenderness and Soreness
Although most patients do not complain about discomfort, some patients do experience mild soreness and tenderness after first having braces placed. The pressure of biting can also cause some discomfort, although these sensations usually only last 3 to 5 days. We usually suggest a warm saltwater rinse to help minimize the discomfort. In a small glass, warm up 8 ounces of water and dissolve a teaspoonful of table salt. Once the salt is dissolved, vigorously rinse with the solution several times a day until the soreness is resolved.
In some cases, the tenderness can be a little more intense, in which case we recommend the use of Advil or Tylenol, (please follow the label’s instructions for the proper dosage) to help you feel more comfortable.
The use of orthodontic wax on your braces can help with any discomfort you might feel on your lips, tongue or cheeks from the hardware in the first few weeks after placement.
Loose Teeth
Contact Us About Anything Loose or Broken
- Poking: Sometimes the wire can become irritating and cause discomfort. We recommend using the back of a spoon or a clean eraser on the end of a pencil to gently push the wire that is poking you underneath the archwire. You can also apply orthodontic wax to any areas of irritation.
- Broken bracket: You should call our office immediately! This requires a visit to repair the broken bracket. If it is still connected to the wire, use some orthodontic wax to hold it in place until your appointment. If it has fallen off, please bring it with you so we can either repair or replace it.
Cleaning and Care of Orthodontic Appliance
Keep Up With Oral Hygiene
Protecting Your Teeth For Sports
If you play any contact sports, let us know so we can provide you with a specialized protective mouth guard designed for braces. If you are not yet wearing braces, there are many inexpensive mouth guards you can purchase to protect your teeth from damage.
If you experience any accident or trauma to your face or mouth, check your appliance immediately. If your appliances are damaged or you have any loose teeth, call our office immediately! If you have lost a tooth, clean it off and, if possible, replace the tooth into the socket. If you can’t replace the tooth, keep it moist and bring it with you to our office or to your caregiver. If you see blood on your lips or face, apply ice to control the swelling and bleeding then call our office or go to your nearest urgent care or emergency room.
Braces and Eating
Things to Avoid Eating
- Chewy foods: licorice, taffy
- Crunchy foods: ice, chips, popcorn
- Sticky foods: gummy candy, caramels, gum
- Hard foods: nuts, hard candy
- Foods you bite into: carrots, apples, corn on the cob
- Chewing on hard items like pens/pencils, fingernails, etc may cause damage to your braces and prolong your treatment.
TYPES OF BRACES
TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
CERAMIC BRACES
INVISALIGN
Invisalign is the clear choice which will go unnoticed to those around you while delivering amazing results!
This system of clear aligners will perfect your smile while giving you the flexibility to remove them to eat, brush, and floss without struggling with brackets and wires. Dr. Dave will gladly discuss with you if Invisalign is an option for your treatment plan.
Dr. Dave is Board Certified with the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Dave has worked professionally throughout Northern California. His diversified background and expertise includes working with patients of all age groups, at various stages of orthodontic needs. He carries with him a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for application of state-of-the art technology and innovation in orthodontic care. Behind his wealth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Dave is prepared to make a difference in the Houston-area community.
“Orthodontics is a very fun, challenging, and rewarding profession. I am truly honored and grateful to be able to touch upon my patients’ lives by creating beautiful smiles for them.” – Dr. Dave

CYPRESS LOCATION
Call / Text: (281) 225-6784
Email us: info@trueimageortho.com
EMERGENCY LINE (After hours)
Call / Text: (346) 285-0227
SPRING LOCATION
Call / Text: (281) 305-8678
Email us: infotiospring@trueimageortho.com
EMERGENCY LINE (After hours)
Call / Text: (346) 285-0227