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At Ulrich Orthodontics, we want our patients to have the best experience possible,

our goal is to give you a healthy, beautiful smile!

 

 

 

Complimentary Exam

  • Your first appointment at our office is complimentary and is designed to meet you

to discuss your orthodontic concerns.

  • After a clinical examination, if the doctors feel you or your loved one may benefit

from orthodontic treatment, our Treatment Coordinator will discuss in detail your

treatment options, your insurance and available payment plans.

 

Beginning Orthodontic Treatment

 

  • Once you have selected treatment with our practice, we will make you an appointment to have your films and records taken in-house.

  • Our friendly staff will make a separate appointment to place your new appliances.

  • Appointments are typically spaced in 4-8 week increments dependent on the plan of treatment.

 

 

 

Adjusting to Life with Braces takes some time. Some alterations will need to be made to daily life, such as the foods you eat in order to protect your new braces (with the exception of selecting clear aligners)!

 

Foods to avoid with braces:

 

  • Chewy foods — gum, bagels, chewy candy

  • Crunchy foods — chips, ice and popcorn

  • Sticky foods — candy, caramels and gum

  • Hard foods — nuts, candy and hard breads

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

       (Just cut them instead of eating whole)

  • Soda - Because maintaining

Foods you CAN eat with braces:

  • Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks

  • Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins w/o 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

  • Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice

  • Treats — ice cream w/o nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake

What to expect once your braces are placed:

Soreness caused from braces and appliances

When your braces are first put on, your teeth may feel sore. This is normal, and usually subsides within a few days.  To relieve the pain, we recommend Ibuprofin and cool, soft liquids. To ease the discomfort caused by insufficient brushing, this can be alleviated by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). If the pain is more severe and isn't subsiding after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know!

Loose Teeth

If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.

Loose Wires and Bands

The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

Taking Care of your Appliances

Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.

 

Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth and Braces

Sports related injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries received by athletes. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in high-contact sports, be sure to ask our doctors about a mouthguard at your next appointment. 

Retainer Care Instructions

Remember to keep your retainer in a safe location whenever you remove it to eat, brush or floss. In order to clean your retainer, you can gently brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Never clean your retainer by putting it in boiling water or the dishwasher. 

New Patients

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