1. Northside Orthodontics FIRST WEEK YOUR TEETH WILL BE TENDER This will last for approximately 3 days – take pain killers as required. EAT SOFTER FOODS The whole time the braces are on – particularly the initial week or so. Good Suggestions are rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt, fish etc.

2. Northside Orthodontics Wax Wax will help relieve irritation to the lips and cheeks caused by the rubbing of the braces. After a few weeks most people feel they no longer need to use the was as much – usually the lips and cheeks get used to the braces by then. To use : roll a pea sized amount in a ball and press over the area causing you irritation. Remember to dry the area first to help the wax grip on.

3. Good Oral Hygiene Good Oral Hygiene TOOTHBRUSHING – Please Brush your teeth at least twice daily with your soft bristled toothbrush provided in your backpack. Brushing should take you 3mins each time. You have also been given a 3 minute timer in your backpack – don’t stop brushing till the timer finishes! STEP 1 – Where the gums and teeth meet. - Use circular motions to do 10 circles on each area usually 2 teeth at a time - Do this movement for top and bottom teeth.

4. Good Oral Hygiene STEP 2 – Push the bristles of the toothbrush down from the top making sure the bristles pass under the wire. - Use circular motions to do 10 circles on each area usually 2 teeth at a time - Do this movement for top and bottom teeth.

5. Good Oral Hygiene STEP 3 – Push the bristles of the toothbrush up from the bottom making sure the bristles pass under the wire. - Use circular motions to do 10 circles on each area usually 2 teeth at a time - Do this movement for top and bottom teeth.

6. Northside Orthodontics Interdental brushes We also call these a ‘christmas tree brush’ Please use these once a day by placing them under the archwire and moving back and forth against the tooth.

7. Northside Orthodontics Braces and Food Brackets will ‘break’ when patients eat incorrect foods such as the ones listed below. If a bracket breaks, the tooth will not move and this WILL increase overall treatment duration. What can’t I eat?... Foods like……. HARD – nuts, hard lollies, chocolate STICKY – minties and other toffee type lollies CRUNCHY – popcorn, ice, rice crackers, corn chips, crisp bread CHEWY – crusty breads, muesli bars SOFT DRINKS – juices, cordials and diet drinks are high in acid and sugar. Healthy foods such as Corn on the cob should be cut from the cob prior to eating and hard fruits and vegetables should be grated/cut into bite sized pieces or even cooked prior to eating.

8. Northside Orthodontics PROBLEMS LOOSE BRACKETS LOOSE BRACKETS BROKEN WIRES LONG WIRES LONG WIRES For all of the above problems, please phone the practice and advise reception staff of what has gone wrong and they will be able to make you an appointment accordingly. Please don’t wait till your next appointment to have the problem fixed. Please don’t wait till your next appointment to have the problem fixed.

9. The Toothbrushing Area. Please arrive a few minutes early to your appointment so you can brush your teeth at our tooth brushing area. Please arrive a few minutes early to your appointment so you can brush your teeth at our tooth brushing area. Follow the signs or ask the receptionists when you check in to find out where it is. Follow the signs or ask the receptionists when you check in to find out where it is. Toothbrushes and toothpaste will be provided and make sure to take them home with you. Toothbrushes and toothpaste will be provided and make sure to take them home with you. Remember if you get 10/10 for your toothbrushing you will go in our monthly movie ticket draw! Remember if you get 10/10 for your toothbrushing you will go in our monthly movie ticket draw! Northside Orthodontics Northside Orthodontics

10. Keep Smiling Remember if you need anything please call and we will be able to assist you. Northside Orthodontics