We want to help you achieve your new smile. During your treatment you can expect to wear different orthodontic appliances. Orthodontic appliances are tools to help with the process. Some of them may include:

• Braces
• Headgear
• Expander
• Mara
• Elastics
• Removable appliance

How Do I Brush My Teeth While Wearing My Appliance?

Brushing your teeth will take longer. It must be done more often. Brushing will remove the plaque on your teeth and around your appliances and braces. Plaque is a buildup on your teeth. It can cause gum disease, cavities, or white and brown spots on your teeth that do not go away. Here are ways to help your teeth stay healthy:

• Brush at least 3 times per day.
• Brush after every meal or whenever possible.
• Use a soft or electric toothbrush with a gentle motion.
• Brush until all the food is gone on your teeth and your appliances. It will take 4 minutes or more to clean all tooth surfaces. Inspect your teeth after brushing to make sure all plaque is removed. Have a parent or guardian look with you if you are not sure.

We will look at your teeth at each visit. If needed, we will help you learn how to clean your teeth better.

If your Orthodontics team becomes worried about your teeth or gum health from not brushing well, they may recommend your braces be removed. This is to prevent large cavities or tooth loss. Your bite and tooth alignment will not be fully corrected.

What if I Have Discomfort or Soreness?

Your teeth are moving.  You will feel pressure on them. The soreness and pressure will go away after a few days. If needed, you can take over the counter pain medicine to help with any soreness or discomfort. You may have soreness when:

• your braces are put on.
• any new wires are placed.
• rubber bands are placed.
• a headgear is started.

You will be given soft wax to use. This is used if one of the braces is causing irritation to your lips, cheeks, or tongue. Take a small piece of soft wax and place it over the area that is rubbing. Eating soft or cold foods can also help.

Are There Foods I Need To Avoid?

Biting into hard or sticky foods or hard objects can cause a bracket or band to loosen or bend the wires. This can cause your teeth to move in the wrong direction. Stay away from these foods: caramels, taffy, licorice, hard rolls, Italian bread, bagels and hard candy. Learn more in the “Eating right with braces or orthodontic appliances”.

What Happens if I Break or Lose My Appliance?

There is a cost for lost or broken appliances and retainers. Your parent or caregiver will need to pay for the items not covered by the insurance. Insurance companies do not cover costs:

• after the initial treatment plan.
• for repair of broken items.
• for replacement of lost items.

Your progress may be slowed if there is repeated lost or broken appliances. Treatment may be stopped If breakage or loss is ongoing despite reminders.

What Do I Need To Know About My Follow up Visits?

It is important that you keep all your scheduled visits. We have limited treatment days for orthodontics. Please bring all removable retainers, headgears, and appliances to every visit.

• You may need to do some visits during school hours.
• Missed visits will result in adding additional time to your treatment. It also delays other patients from seeing the orthodontist.
• Rebooking of missed visits is done at the next available visit time.
• Arriving late for a visit could result in you not being seen that day or the treatment plan for that day being changed.
• If you miss a visit and are not sure if you should continue some action, such as turning your expander or wearing your headgear or appliance, please give us a call.

Remember to visit your dentist for regular checks, tooth x-rays, and cleanings throughout your treatment. Dental checks and cleanings are not done at your orthodontic visits.