Info Sheets

It is absolutely essential that you keep your teeth, gums, and braces spotlessly clean. If brushing is not adequate, permanent staining (eg. brown or white spots) and cavities could develop. Keeping your braces clean requires brushing a minimum of 3 times a day for 2 minutes and flossing once a day. If any of the following gum situations occur (redness, bleeding and swelling), please feel free to ask the clinical staff to review brushing techniques with you. When bleeding occurs while brushing, this is usually due to a plaque build up or improper brushing techniques (healthy gums do not bleed). It is essential to continue brushing in a gentle circular motion along the gum line. Even though we check your brushing at every appointment, it is still necessary to continue your regular 6 month check up with your family Dentist.

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Today is the beginning of an important new phase in your orthodontic treatment. Elastics (small rubber bands) are needed, and they will move your teeth when worn as directed!

HERE'S WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO.......

1. Wear the elastics all the time - night and day - unless we tell you otherwise.
2. Carry some elastics with you at all times. If one breaks in your mouth, replace it right away.
3. You may remove the elastics when you eat. Brush your teeth carefully after every meal and then put on new elastics.
4. If you run out of elastics, call us and tell us what size you need. We will be happy to send you more!

The elastics may make you teeth tender for the first 2 or 3 days; but, if you continue to wear them, they will become comfortable in a short time.

A FINAL WORD OF IMPORTANCE......

Teeth have NEVER failed to move when elastics are worn consistently as directed.

BUT... when elastics are worn one day and left off the next, your progress slows and may even stop. Why? Because the teeth "jiggle" back and forth and set up a resistance that prevents movement. Your cooperation ESSENTIAL. If you wear elastics as recommended, you'll be surprised at how quickly your treatment will progress, and your overall time in braces may be less then expected.

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If you notice anything wrong, or if you are in any discomfort, please call our office immediately so that we may address the problem.

In the meantime, you can try:

• Tenderness or difficulty chewing- soft diet, analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil (not A.S.A)
• Wire poking - place wax on it or try to bend wire with the back of a spoon or eraser on a pencil .
• Ulcerations on cheeks or lips- place wax on the rough area
• Bracket off - place wax over bracket or wire, and call our office . Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment to let us know. You may need to come in and have the bracket rebonded.

Remember that the more breakages and repairs needed, the longer your treatment. So treat your braces with lots of tender loving care.

WAX:

Wax may be necessary if something is sharp or if you have any sore spots in your mouth that are caused by a rough spot on your brackets. Place a little ball of the wax over the brackets or sharp area that is bothering you, keeping in mind that the wax sticks best if the tooth is try (Hint, try a Q tip to dry first) . Remove the wax to eat or brush and place a new piece as needed,.

If there is anything you are not sure of, do not hesitate to call our office.

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Your fixed retainer is a permanent retainer designed to maintain your teeth in their correct position. A fixed retainer is a stainless steel wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. It is important to take care of it according to the following instructions:

• You must brush the back of your teeth as well as floss under the wire.
• The permanent retainer will remain on your teeth for at least 5 - 6 years. After that we recommend that you keep it for the rest of your life ( Or as long as you want to keep your teeth straight!)
• If one of the bonds should become loose or if you notice a tooth starting to move, please notify the office immediately to have it repaired.

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Now that you have started your orthodontic treatment, please avoid the following foods:

HARD FOODS may do damage by bending wires or breaking off the brackets.

STICKY FOODS damage appliances by bending wires or loosening appliances.

FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR CONTENT should be avoided whenever possible. If you do eat sweets, brush your teeth immediately.

DON'T EAT (not even if you're careful)

MAYBE (if you cut into small pieces or wedges)

• Apples
• Raw broccoli or cauliflower
• Carrots
• Pizza crust
• Crusty bread
• Bagels
• Pitted fruit
• Ribs and Chicken -cut the meat off the bone

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This appliance is used in cases where the upper teeth or jaw are too far forward. The headgear slows the upper jaw in its forward growth and allows the lower jaw to catch up.

1. Wear the headgear a minimum of 14 hours per day.
2. 2. Some temporary discomfort is normal during the first 2-3 nights, it may be necessary to gradually increase wear during the first week until you reach 12-14 hours. At first, molar teeth may become tender and even feel a little loose.
3. Once you start headgear treatment, you must keep it up continuously. Wear the headgear every evening and all night. The more you wear it, the faster you will be done.

If you wear your headgear as instructed, you will be surprised at how quickly your treatment progresses...

*Please remember to bring your headgear with you to each appointment so that your orthodontist may make any necessary adjustments.*

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Your new appliance is a removable plate made of plastic and wires that have been carefully designed to move your teeth. It is important that your appliance be worn according to the following instructions:

1. Wear the retainer all the time other than at meals and when brushing your teeth, swimming, or when playing contact sports.
2. The plastic taste to the appliance will disappear soon, and in two or three days your speech will be completely normal
3. Your new retainer may make your teeth sore for a day or two. After an adjustment you may experience soreness. If you have a sore spot after 3-4 days, call the office so that it can be corrected.
4. Clean your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner or mouthwash, if you wish. If you are wearing a lower fixed retainer, be extra careful to brush the wire and the inside of the teeth
5. Always bring your appliance to each appointment.
6. Avoid flipping appliance  with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth, as well as weaken, bend or break the wires.
7. Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin or tissue and leave it on the table where it will be thrown away. Don't put it in your pocket or you may break it or lose it.
8. If your retainer is not in your mouth it should be in your case. If not in your case, then it should be in your mouth.
9. If you have a dog or cat, keep it away from them. It smells like a bone to dogs, and they'll love to chew it up.
10. There will be a minimum charge of $100-175 for a replacement appliance if lost, broken or does not fit due to inconsistent wear.

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Your retainer is a removable appliance carefully designed to maintain your teeth in their correct position. It is important to wear it according to the following instructions:

1. Wear the retainer all the time other than at meals and when brushing your teeth, swimming, or when playing contact sports.
2. The plastic taste to the appliance will disappear soon, and in two or three days your speech will be completely normal.
3. Your new retainer may make your teeth sore for a day or two. After an adjustment you may experience soreness. If you have a sore spot after 3-4 days, call the office so that it can be fixed  
4. Clean your retainer by brushing with toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture/retainer cleaner or mouthwash, if you wish. If you are wearing a fixed retainer, be extra careful to brush the wire and the inside of the teeth.
5. Always bring your retainer to each appointment.
6. Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth, as well as weaken, bend or break the wires.
7. Never wrap your retainer in a paper napkin or tissue, or leave it on the table, where it will be thrown away. Don't put it in your pocket or you may break or lose it. If your retainer is not in your mouth it should be in your case. If it is not in your case,  then it is in your mouth!
8. If you have a dog or cat, keep it away from them. It smells like a bone to dogs, and they'll love to chew it up.
9. There will be a minimum charge of $100-$175 for a replacement retainer if lost, broken or does not fit due to inconsistent wear.

*We will let you know when you can reduce retainer wear to part time. You must wear your retainers as long as you would like to keep your teeth straight.*

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The purpose of the separators is to make the space required for the placement of the orthodontic bands. This usually requires about one week.

You can expect some soreness during this time, and mild pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil may be helpful. Rinsing with warm salt water may also reduce tenderness. It will be necessary to brush thoroughly around the separators as they collect food. Do not floss in the areas where the spacers are located. You may continue to follow your regular diet during this time. Please avoid chewing on gum and any sticky foods while your spacers are in.

The separators will loosen as the teeth begin to move. The spacers may even come out over time if they have had enough time to do their job and the spaces have opened.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our office.

Looking forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

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