What? It’s Okay to Chew Gum?
Yes, sugarless gum with braces is fine (just not a big wad of it). In fact, our patients are encouraged to chew sugarless gum to stimulate the bone around the teeth that the braces are moving…it’s like massaging a stiff, sore muscle- reducing the discomfort. Dr. Danyluk believes very strongly that braces should not significantly interfere with your normal lifestyle. Gone are the days of adjusted braces bringing patients to tears. Advancements in orthodontic technology have significantly improved the experience for our patients. The types of braces that we use, as well as the flexible titanium wires, ensure great comfort, longer periods of time between appointments and more effective movements of your teeth! If ANY type of medication is required during your treatment, Advil or Tylenol is more than adequate to relieve the minor discomfort.
Foods to Avoid
Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid:
- Licorice
- Sugar Daddies
- Toffee
- Tootsie Rolls
- Caramels
- Starburst
Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Hard taco shells
- French bread crust/rolls
- Corn on the cob
- Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)
- Bagels
- Chips
- Jolly Ranchers
- Pizza crust
- Uncooked carrots (unless cut)
Minimize Sugary Foods like:
- Cake
- Ice Cream
- Cookies
- Pie
- Candy
Only Once a Day:
- Soda
- Sweetened tea
- Gatorade
- Kool-Aid
- Drinks with sugar
It’s important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.
Can I still play Musical Instruments, Sing, Dance and Play Sports with Braces?
Never let it be said that orthodontic treatment prevents you from doing what you love! A LOT of our patients are involved with all sorts of activities, ranging from every sport you can think of, music, singing, cheer, dancing to modeling. If you need a protective mouthpiece for an activity that you are involved in, just ask Dr. Danyluk or one of our team members, and we would be glad to provide you with one.
Is there an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?
As long as you would like to smile, eat food and lead a comfortable life with your teeth, jaw joints and muscles is the length of time you can choose to became an orthodontic patient. In short, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment! Dr. Danyluk has helped patients as old as 78 years old with their concerns. In fact, approximately 20 percent of patients are adults in orthodontic care. With the average life expectancy continuing to rise, an increased desire from people to maintain their natural teeth and a variety of comfortable and aesthetic ways to straighten teeth and correct bites, orthodontic treatment for adults has increased dramatically.
What Role do I Play in my Orthodontic Treatment?
To obtain the best possible results, along with a phenomenal experience for you, it requires a team effort. Between you and Dr. Danyluk and his experienced team, amazing results can be achieved. You are basically the caretaker of your appliances and teeth when you are not visiting us at one of your appointments. We will teach you everything that will help you in this role and we are always available for any assistance that you may need. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and clean, consistently wearing rubber bands or appliances as directed by Dr. Danyluk, avoiding foods that would loosen braces and appliances and continuing to see your general dentist for check-ups and cleanings are the keys to fantastic results!
What about Emergencies?
No worries at all! When you begin treatment at our practice, you will be provided with an after hours emergency cell phone number. If the emergency occurs during office hours, just contact our office. In many instances, we can determine the problem over the phone and walk you through how to easily handle the emergency without having to make a trip to the office. In other instances when you need to be seen, arrangements will be made to come to the practice during practice hours. For urgent emergencies that occur after office hours, you can call the emergency cell phone number and a Team member will return your call and determine the best course of action to take care of the emergency. In short, our attention to your needs does not stop in the evenings or on weekends…we are here for you!