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The Journey to a Brighter Smile

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Experiencing Life With Braces

At Waltuch Callan Orthodontics in Edison, NJ, we know living with braces can have some disadvantages. However, the results from proper braces care and consistent oral hygiene can be worth the food restrictions and difficulties.

Each patient with braces needs to understand how to care for your braces throughout orthodontic treatment properly. We ensure the better care you take of your orthodontic treatment, the better results you will have that can last a lifetime.

Orthodontist in Edison, NJ

Know Your Appliances

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Some patients may require rubber bands, or elastics, to adjust the fit of their upper and lower teeth. It is critical to wear your elastics as instructed to ensure your progress is successful. Rubber bands will work far more efficiently if they’re worn properly.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander will administer gentle pressure on your upper molars during adjustments to expand the upper jaw. We will instruct you on how and when to adjust your expander. When the desired expansion is achieved, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression.

Separators

Separators are rubber pieces that are placed between the teeth to push them apart. These are removed and replaced with bands in your following appointment. Try to avoid sticky foods, floss, or toothpicks if you have separators.

Orthodontist in Edison, NJ | Sheldon Waltuch Orthodontics

Retainers

Retainers are critical to prevent regression of your treatment after your braces are removed. They hold your teeth in position after they have been straightened. We will instruct you on proper retainer care and the duration of the wear.

Soreness From Braces & Appliances

You finally have your braces! Now, you may be wondering how to care for them and properly maintain your overall oral care.

Eating with Braces

During your braces journey, you will need to avoid certain foods to prevent damage to your orthodontic appliances. The better precaution you take with your treatment, the sooner you will have your braces off and be able to eat the treats you love once again.

Foods to Avoid:

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice

Crunchy/hard foods — hard candy, ice cubes, pretzels, nuts, hard bread/pizza crust

Sticky foods — gum, taffy, caramel, gummy bears, etc

Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods You Can Eat:

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts

Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice

Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

Foods to Avoid

Chewy foods — bagels, licorice

Crunchy/hard foods — hard candy, ice cubes, pretzels, nuts, hard bread/pizza crust

Sticky foods — gum, taffy, caramel, gummy bears, etc

Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Foods You Can Eat

Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts

Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice

Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats

Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes

Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans

You’re Almost There

Even though your braces are off, your orthodontic treatment is not over yet. Your retainer is essential to prevent any regression in the orthodontic treatment process. Once you have your retainer, it is encouraged that you take good care of it.

Here are some tips for wearing and caring for your retainer:

Here are some tips for wearing and caring for your retainer:
  • Wear your retainer at all times until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case.
  • Clean the retainer once a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm water.
  • Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer or believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
  • Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
  • Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care, they will last for years!
  • Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
  • Wear your retainer at all times until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case.
  • Clean the retainer once a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and warm water.
  • Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer or believe it needs adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust it yourself.
  • Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
  • Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care, they will last for years!
  • Remove your retainer when you go swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Get started on your orthodontic treatment journey today! Contact us at 732-549-6286 today!
Waltuch Callan Orthodontics
3 NJ-27 STE 204
Edison, NJ 08820

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Hours:

Mon: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tues: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed: 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thurs: 8:30 AM– 6:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

September through June, Open two Sunday mornings a month