🦷 Bond and Bracket Post-Operative Instructions

1. Oral Discomfort

  • Mild soreness or pressure is normal for the first 3-7 days after bonding.
  • Gums, cheeks, and lips may become irritated. Orthodontic wax can be used to cushion brackets and reduce discomfort.
  • You may take over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen) as needed every 4–6 hours following dosage guidelines on the medication.

2. Eating Guidelines

  • Foods to Eat (Soft & Gentle): Yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, eggs, pasta, bananas, soup, etc.
  • Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces.
  • Avoid These Foods:

    • Hard foods: nuts, popcorn, hard candies, ice.
    • Sticky foods: gum, caramel, gummy candies.
    • Chewy/crunchy foods: bagels, crusty bread, chips.
    • Biting into food: Avoid biting into apples, corn on the cob; cut into small pieces first.

3. Oral Hygiene

  • Brush gently after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily using orthodontic floss threaders or a water flosser.

4. Braces Care

  • Avoid picking at brackets or wires. Do not try to fix loose brackets or poking wires yourself.
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that are irritating soft tissue.
  • If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is poking out, contact your orthodontist.

5. Activity & Follow-up

  • Normal activities can resume 2 days after your procedure.
  • Avoid sports-related trauma; wear a mouthguard for sports.
  • Attend all follow-up appointments on time for adjustments.

6. Watch for Problems (Contact Us If You Experience):

  • Severe pain or swelling.
  • A loose bracket or broken wire.
  • Sores that do not improve after a few days.
  • Difficulty eating or speaking beyond the initial adjustment period.