Malocclusion and Orthodontics

During Reference orthodontic treatment Opens New Window for Reference malocclusion Opens New Window, it's still important to take good care of teeth at home.

Your orthodontist will give you instructions on caring for your teeth during treatment. These may include:

• Avoiding sticky and hard foods, such as gum, taffy, and nuts.
• Taking vitamins with fluoride.
• Using a Reference retainer Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window—a piece of molded plastic and wire (orthodontic appliance) worn in the mouth to hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment—as often and as long as recommended.
• Carefully brush your teeth after meals and snacks.

If your child has crooked or protruding teeth from an oral habit such as Reference thumb-sucking, his or her teeth may begin to return to normal position when the habit stops. You can help your child stop an oral habit. For more information, see the topic Reference Thumb-Sucking.

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