LIFE WITH BRACES
To
successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with
the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions
if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances
as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.
Brushing
It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces,
so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who
do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist
for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should
also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
Retainer & Expander Instructions
Retainer Instructions
- Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
- Take your retainers out when eating... and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
- When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Retainer replacement is expensive... with proper care they will last for years!
- Remove retainers when swimming.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
Removable Expander Instructions
- Wear your expander all the time. That means all day, during meals, and while sleeping.
- Remove your expander only to brush your teeth. Brush your expander at least twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Fixed expander instructions
- Turn your expansion screws as instructed. Insert the key into the hole and turn toward the arrow.
- If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, stop turning the expander.
Athletics
If you play sports, it's
important that you consult us for special precautions. A protective mouthguard
is advised for playing contact sports. In case of any accident involving the
face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened
or the appliances damaged, phone at once for an appointment. In the meantime,
treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.
Loose Wire or Band
Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens
occasionally. If wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back
of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating
wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the
lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance.
Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the
appliances. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
Emergency Care
As a general rule, an emergency appointment may be made when there is severe
pain, a loose band, a broken wire or something sticking out that you can't take
care of. It's important to know the names of the parts of your appliances. It
will help, when you phone the office, to be able to identify what part is broken
or out of place.