DO NOT EAT HARD…CRUNCHY…STICKY…

Please use your discretion.  Some common examples are:

• Ice
• Doritos /Any Tortilla Chips
• Pizza Crust (give it to mom or dad)
• Popcorn Kernels
• Hard Crusty Breads
• Bagels
• Hard Taco Shells
• All Gum (even non-stick)
• Taffy
• Crunchy Peanut Butter
• Caramels
• Fruit Roll Ups
• Gummy Bears
• Pens and Pencils (no kidding!)

YOU MAY CAREFULLY EAT:

• Whole fruits (cut into “bite-size” pieces)
• Corn on the cob (slice off the cob first)
• Potato chips (one at a time….Pringles are soft)

ACTIVITIES THAT DAMAGE BRACES…

• Contact sports:  always wear a mouth guard (we can provide these for you)
• Rough-housing:  braces can be easily caught on clothing, pillows and blankets
• “Picking on braces” with fingernails, pens/pencils, or any object that does not belong in your mouth can fracture cements used to adhere orthodontic  appliances
• “Big bites”: chewing large quantities of food all at once can loosen, break, bend and damage braces.

BREAKAGE IS A RARE OCCURRENCE…

• There is no charge for the FIRST breakage repair (recementing bands, rebonding brackets, replacing bent wires, etc.)
• If additional damage occurs, charges range from $25 – $45 per repair, and parents are advised to have the patient reimburse them!
• Besides saving your allowance for other spending purposes, taking good care of your appliances will keep you from extending the time you will be wearing braces!

IF SOMETHING BREAKS…

• Call the office (770) 993-9395 for evaluation to either extend the amount of time required for the next visit or to make an additional appointment for repair.
• Save all parts that become loose and are removed from your mouth.
• Bring all broken / loose pieces to your next appointment.
• Loose Brackets that are still attached to the wire should be left on the wire unless uncomfortable.