Do's
Eat CARROTS, APPLES, CELERY, & OTHER CRISPY FOODS after you have cut into small bite-size pieces or cooked them until softer. Only bite into soft foods.

Minimize Sugar Intake: Drink less soft drinks & sugary drinks. Eat less candy, cookies, ice cream, and sugary snacks.
Don'ts

Foods to avoid are ones that can not be cleaned off the braces may lead to discoloration and decay of your teeth. Even though our braces and wires are metal or ceramic, they are fragile and are usually damaged by eating the wrong foods.

BROKEN APPLIANCES LEAD TO A DELAY IN TREATMENT TIME – WHICH MEANS YOU WILL BE IN BRACES LONGER THAN ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED!

Do Not Eat:

HARD FOODS: Nuts, Popcorn, Hard Candy, Hard Pretzels

HARD BREADS: Pizza Crust, Hard Rolls, Bagels, Bagel Chips

STICKY FOODS: Caramel, Starbursts, Tootsie Rolls, Gummy candy, Toffee, Now&Laters, Sugar Babies, Various Others…

TOUGH FOODS: Beef Jerky, Slim Jims

ICE: It will destroy your braces.

GUM: Sugarless ONLY – minimize use since it can pull on wires and ties

AVOID CHEWING ON PENS, PENCILS, & FINGERNAILS

Emergencies

When an emergency occurs that can not wait until the next business day, we do have an emergency line and an assistant is on call 24/7. We are also available via Facebook Messenger to answer any orthodontic emergency questions.

Emergency Line: (843) 488-2526 Ext. 0

Home Solutions to Common Problems

For many situations, a patient or parent can relieve any discomfort by following instructions given on the phone or by referring to the following list:

Loose Band or Bracket
If band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, put bracket or band in Ziploc bag and bring it to your next appointment. DO NOT CONNECT ELASTICS TO A LOOSE BAND.
Wire Out of Tube
Try to place wire back with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort persists, place wax on it.
Poking Tie-Wire
Try to push sticking wire down with an eraser. If not possible, place wax on it.
Poking Archwire
Cover with wax and call for an appointment.
***Refer to the backside of your bathroom mirror brushing guide for more problems and solutions.***