Home Care Instructions
- EAT SOFT FOODS! The first 72 hours is the most uncomfortable, therefore it is very important to eat soft foods that will not put pressure on your teeth. Milkshakes, pudding, and ice cream are a must! Soup, mash-potatoes, eggs, grits, oatmeal, and macaroni and cheese are also very good.
- TAKE YOUR PAIN MEDICINE! We recommend taking 2-4 tablets of Motrin (200mg) or Ibuprofen (200mg) with food four times a day or every six hours for five days. For average size adults and adolescents, 3-4 tablets will be necessary, but for small children, 2-3 tablets will be more appropriate. If you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, or asthma do not take Ibuprofen; instead take Tylenol (250-500mg) again depending on your age and weight as instructed on the label.
- BRUSH FOUR TIMES A DAY! Brushing stimulates your gums and cleans your teeth, which will make your teeth feel great. So, remember to brush your gums and tongue, and don’t forget to floss!
- USE YOUR WAX! Be sure that your teeth are as dry as possible before you apply the wax. This will help with any discomfort you may feel where you may feel the wires or braces rubbing against the cheeks or where you may have an ulcer on your cheek.
- DID I MENTION MILK SHAKES? Milk shakes are great for relieving the pain caused by ulcers in the mouth. They also work great when you have to take your pain medication and your teeth are too sore to eat.
- YOUR BITE WILL FEEL OFF! Don’t worry if you can only feel a couple of teeth touching when you close. This is only temporary and will be uncomfortable for a short period of time, but everything will return to normal after the teeth begin to straighten approximately 2-3 months.
- BE PATIENT! Do not expect immediate changes to occur, it takes 3-4 weeks for the bone that surrounds your teeth to remodel. It is normal for your teeth to feel loose!
- BRACKETS DO COME OFF! Only when you eat items on the 'No Food List.' If you notice that one has come off, call and inform Dr. Frigo. This is not an emergency. If more than (3) brackets come off over the course of treatment, a charge of $25.00 will be assessed for each additional bracket that comes off your teeth.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING MY OFFICE TO PROVIDE YOUR CARE!
If you have any after hours concerns or discomfort, please call our after hours number at 228-234-6970.