PATIENT AND PARENT INFORMATION
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects poor tooth positions and
facial disharmonies. Most patients
see that their “teeth are crooked” or they have “buck teeth” or an
“overbite”. Orthodontic treatment corrects these and other disorders to
give the patient an attractive smile, a balanced facial profile and a
comfortable, functional bite.
THE FIRST DAY
About 6 to 10 hours after placement of the braces, there will be some soreness.
The teeth may feel sore from the pressure of the wire starting to move
the teeth and the tongue and cheeks may become irritated from rubbing against
the braces. To minimize your
discomfort, all day today eat only very soft foods and immediately
start alternating Advil and Tylenol every two hours.
Further relief may be gained by rinsing with plain warm water hour every
few hours. If you feel sharp edges,
use the wax as you were shown in the office.
Massaging your gums with a soft bristled toothbrush also helps to
minimize your discomfort. You will usually feel the most discomfort the day after the
braces are placed and then it feels better each succeeding day and usually you
are back to normal in 2 or 3 days. When you return in six weeks for an
adjustment, you will NOT experience this discomfort.
YOUR ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE
MOLAR BAND or BOND
A band is a thin ring of metal around the back teeth (molars).
Bands usually have hooks on the outside, which are used for elastic wear
that usually begins at the second adjustment. Molar bonds are similar to the
other bonds, but have a tube for the wire so they do not need a ligature.
BOND or BRACKET
The small metal or ceramic brace that is bonded directly to the tooth surface.
The bonding technique and the brackets are not designed to withstand
excessive forces, so be careful of what goes into your mouth.
If a bond becomes loose, it needs to be replaced.
It is not an emergency unless it bothers you, but it should be
replaced within a few days. Remember to brush carefully around the edges of the
brackets to prevent decalcification (white stains).
ARCH WIRE
The main wire that goes through all the bonds and molar bands.
This wire guides the teeth to their correct positions.
Should this wire ever break, call us.
In an emergency (if it hurts you), you can cut or remove this wire to
eliminate your discomfort.
LIGATURES
Small elastic or thin metal ties that hold the arch wire to the bracket.
The elastic ligatures come in many colors and are changed at every
adjustment. If a ligature comes
off, it is not an emergency, but call to come in so we can replace it.
BRUSHING
Please brush three or four times each day: before and after school, after
dinner, and before bed. Use the
toothbrush we provided and a toothpaste with fluoride. Remember to brush in
three places each time you brush (teeth, braces and gums). It is MOST
important to brush your gums in addition to your teeth and braces.
If you do not brush your gums, they will become swollen and inflamed. To
properly massage your gums, place the toothbrush half on your gums and half on
the tooth then move it in slow circles and snap the bristles up.
You should use the “Christmas tree” toothbrush (proxabrush) to get
under the wire and along side the edges of the brackets.
Finally, brush the insides and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Look in the mirror to make sure everything is clean and shiny.
Two suggestions:
1.
Brushing with just water first will help you see if you are missing any
food or debris.
2.
Plan on three minutes each time you brush.
Use the sand timer we provided or a watch.
You should floss once each day.
In the beginning, flossing takes a lot of time, so practice by flossing
while watching your favorite television show.
Once you become proficient, you can do it in the bathroom before going to
bed.
Failure to maintain meticulous
oral hygiene can leave food or debris around the braces and cause
decalcification (permanent white stains) on the teeth and will slow your
progress.
REMEMBER: TEETH MOVE BETTER AND
EASIER IN A CLEAN, HEALTHY MOUTH.
ELASTICS
Elastics move your teeth into position and correct the relationship between the
upper and lower teeth (including your overbite and protrusion).
Only if you wear your elastics as instructed will your teeth move into
their proper positions and your treatment completed on time.
Unless instructed otherwise, elastics are worn at ALL times
except while brushing. A pair of
new elastics should be placed each morning.
Always carry some elastics with you in case one breaks, so you can
replace it immediately. “On
and off” elastic wear is HARMFUL because your teeth will not move but
will just rock back and forth. This
jeopardizes the gum and bone support and the length of the root.
Elastics are usually introduced at the second adjustment.
DIET
Use common sense when eating any food. Avoid
sticky foods that might bend wires, or loosen the bands or bonds.
Most other foods can be eaten if first cut into bite sized pieces.
Chewing on pens and pencils is NOT allowed.
Broken orthodontic appliances (bonds, brackets) will mean extra
appointments (often during school), inconvenience and extended treatment times.
EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS
Always call whenever something breaks. It
is not an emergency unless it bothers you, but we want to schedule a repair
as soon as possible. Even if your
appointment is the next day, please call and tell us something is broken so we
can adjust our schedule to take care of the problem and also provide your
regular adjustment.
DENTAL VISITS
Please make sure you have your regular dental examinations and cleanings.
If your dentist wants the arch wires removed for the cleaning, please schedule
an appointment with us to provide this service.
To make it easier for everyone, try to schedule your cleanings the same
day as your regular orthodontic adjustments.
If recommended by your dentist or us schedule your cleanings every three
or four months instead of every six.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions, at any time, please ask either myself, or any of the
staff. We are here to help make sure your treatment is as easy
for you as possible.
THE FINAL RESULT
It is simple. The more you
cooperate, the faster and easier your teeth will move to the best result
possible.
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