Patient Education

with Dr. Sheridan


How to make the most of your braces:

[eat soft foods]

[brush thoroughly]

[inspect your teeth weekly]

&

[listen to Dr. Sheridan]


As your teeth begin to move, they are likely to feel sore for several days. As the braces are activated at each visit, the pressure created will add some mild tenderness. Also, sometimes during treatment, your tongue or cheeks can become temporarily irritated. Tylenol or Advil or wax as a buffer should relieve the discomfort. However, if anything sharp creates unusual pain, or if sores develop that don’t heal, please contact us. (530-272-2373)

Soreness is good:

Always use common sense when choosing foods during treatment. Remember the braces are made to “give up” if there is too much pressure placed on them (we have to remove them when you are finished). It’s important to avoid hard, chewy and sticky foods that might break your brackets or wires (see food guidelines below). Also, remember that by nourishing yourself, you’ll promote bone growth and gum health, and you’ll protect tooth enamel from cavities. It is important to continue to provide your body with proteins even if soft carbs are a portion of your diet, remember to incorporate soft proteins such as scrambled eggs, soft cooked beans, protein drinks and ground meats. Gently using those teeth speeds up your movement and eliminates the soreness.

Eat soft:

You have much more real estate to cover now that you have braces - scrupulous dental hygiene is an essential aspect of your treatment, because braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Food easily compacts inside the brackets and between your teeth.

If you don’t pay attention, plaque can form on your teeth – causing decay, gum disease or permanent white discolorations.

Brushing is best:

*If anything sharp creates unusual pain, or if sores develop that don’t heal, please contact us.

What to Expect

Special Care

Success depends deeply on your cooperation. Damaged appliances or poor dental hygiene can increase the cost and duration of treatment and jeopardize your results.

You should:

  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that might harm braces

  • Carefully clean your teeth and floss daily

  • Attend all scheduled maintenance appointments

  • Never forget to wear rubber bands or other appliances as instructed

Also, it’s important to continue visiting your regular dentist to be sure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment.


Dr. Sheridan creates your treatment based on your individual dental issues and desires. Her goal is to align your teeth, lips and jaws, so your facial structure functions properly and looks balanced. Her personalized art form is recognizable as a SHERIDAN SMILE.

Dr. Sheridan takes great care in analyzing both your visible facial attributes as well as the underlying supporting structure.

This analysis includes your “smile line”, dark corridors when you smile, spacing between teeth, dental crowding as well as your tooth size and shape.


Braces Systems

Comfortable Effective Affordable