Taking care of your teeth and braces is one of the most important factors in treatment. Without good cooperation, your treatment outcome may be compromised and/or your treatment time could be extended!
Anatomy of your braces
Elastic Tie - Holds the wire into the bracket slot to activate tooth movement, sometimes a metal version of this called a steel tie is used if the tooth is very crooked. These come in a variety of colors that you can change at each appointment.
Archwire - The archwire produces the force that moves the teeth. They typically start very flexible and thin and slowly progress into thicker and stiffer wires.
Metal Brackets/Clear Brackets - The brackets are glued to the teeth and act like a handle for the archwire to move the teeth.
Rubber Band Elastics - These are used typically to correct the bite and are put on and removed by the patient. Since they only work when they are on the teeth, cooperation and compliance with these are critical to keeping your treatment on course.
Brushing and flossing with braces
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Discomfort
It's normal for a patient to have discomfort for a few days after braces or retainers are adjusted especially when eating. This discomfort is normal and temporary. We encourage soft foods at this time and the use of over the counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol that the patient is used to taking.
Discomfort
It's normal for a patient to have discomfort for a few days after braces or retainers are adjusted especially when eating. This discomfort is normal and temporary. We encourage soft foods at this time and the use of over the counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol that the patient is used to taking.
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire can extend out of the last bracket and irritate the back of the mouth. This typically happens as teeth are straightening out more or while spaces are being closed. For small wire sticks, using wax is typically enough to relieve the irritation. If the wire is extremely bothersome, call the office to schedule a time to come in and have the wire clipped.
Loose Brackets or Bands
If the braces have come loose in any way, the office should be notified to determine the appropriate next steps. They are generally positioned in the center of each tooth, so if the bracket is off center and can move along the wire, the adhesive may have failed. The bracket can be knocked off if the patient has eaten one of those hard or crunchy foods orthodontic patients are instructed to avoid or if the mouth is struck while at play. (We encourage all patients, especially those with braces, to wear a protective mouth guard while playing sports)