Download Orthodontic Instructions

Orthodontic Instructions
We are here to not only give you a great smile, but also to keep you comfortable. If you or your
child is uncomfortable and you cannot correct the problem yourself, please call our office at (860)
677-7691.
Initial Soreness
After the initial placement of braces or following an adjustment, the teeth may be tender for a
couple of days. This occasionally happens and will pass. An over the counter pain reliever such as
Advil or Tylenol may be helpful in alleviating this initial soreness. Rinsing your mouth with a
teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water also can be soothing.
Lost Spacer
If a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer.
Then pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where
it belongs. When the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release
and remove the floss. The spacer should now be back in place.
Wire Poking
If the main wire has come out of the tube on the back molar tooth, you may attempt to reinsert the
wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If you are having a difficult time and the wire
is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and wax does
not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last
brace.
Broken Brace
If a bracket (the small rectangular brace) is loose, it usually will remain connected to the main
wire by a little rubber ring that is often colored. You may use a pair of tweezers to reposition the
brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Please let our office know you
have a loose brace, so we can be prepared at your next visit to repair the brace. If you have an
appliance that happens to come off, please do not discard it! Bring it with you to your next
appointment so that we can repair or replace it.
Broken Wire
If the main wire breaks, take a pair of nail clippers and cut the wire as close as possible to the
next brace it is attached to. You may also need to place wax over the cut end of the wire. Please
call our office so we can schedule an appointment to repair the wire.
Poking Wire Tie
Sometimes to secure the brace to the wire we twist a very small stainless steel ligature around it.
Infrequently it is possible for the twisted end of the ligature to move and start to feel sharp. If this
happens simply use the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip to gently push it into a comfortable
position.
Lost or Broken Retainer
If you lose or break a removable appliance or retainer, please call our office so we can schedule
an appointment to repair or replace the appliance or retainer.
Toothbrushing and Cavity Control
Both cavities and gum disease are caused by slimy film we call plaque accumulation on the teeth
and gums. The plaque is made of millions of germs called bacteria. The plaque must be removed
everyday to prevent cavities and white etching lines from developing around your braces.
This can be done best with the following proper brushing and flossing methods:
Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day (you must brush in the morning and before bed) but
preferably brush after every meal. We recommend using a soft-bristle brush. Let your brush air
dry 24 hours before using again. This means having at least 2 toothbrushes. Brush first with water
to allow better visibility, then toothpaste can be used for a fresher taste. Proper brushing should
take 3-5 minutes, so don’t rush it. Always start at the upper left and work to the upper right then
lower right and to the lower left. The goal is to not miss any areas, so establish a pattern. Scrub
only 2 to 3 teeth at a time. Place the bristles on the tooth between the braces and gum.
Concentrate on cleaning the edges of the gums with gentle pressure. This is the most important
area to keep clean so you can avoid cavities and puffy gums.
Stronger brushing pressures are necessary to properly clean the teeth around the braces. After
cleaning the teeth, force the bristles of the brush between the wire and the braces, again with a
scrubbing motion, clean under the wire 1 to 2 teeth at a time. Now, thoroughly brush the chewing
surfaces and tongue side of each tooth. Brush your tongue! The plaque also collects on your
tongue and is the major cause of bad breath. Brushing your tongue will give you a fresher breath.
Flossing will remove the plaque that accumulates between your teeth. This takes considerable
time, and we want you first to master proper brushing. Please ask us and we will show you how
to floss when you feel ready.
After brushing, look into the mirror. If your teeth look dirty, brush again!
Avoid ALL Hard, Sticky or Chewy Foods such as:
Ice, Pizza Crust, Hard Pretzels, Doritos, Hard Tacos, Cheetos, Fritos, Caramel Candy, Bubble
Gum, Hard Rolls, Bagels, Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, Ribs, Popcorn, Raw Carrots and Nuts.
Eating these foods will loosen the braces, but you may not discover the problem until hours or
days later…Surprise! Loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets cause a longer treatment
time.
Retainer Instructions
Your retainer is a removable orthodontic appliance carefully designed to maintain you teeth in
their correct positions. Be sure to wear your retainers according to the instructions provided.
First 6 months:
Next 6 months:
Next 6 months:
Indefinitely:
Wear your retainer at all times except for meals.
Wear your retainer during sleeping hours every night.
Wear your retainer 3 nights per week.
Wear your retainer 1 night per week.
Adult patients may never be able to cut down wear of their retainers below night wear, 7 nights
per week. Adults frequently experience a greater tendency for the teeth to shift following removal
of braces.
You should not cut down on the wearing of your retainer below that which will maintain proper
position of your teeth, regardless of any other instructions. When you wear your retainer at night
and teeth are tender, more wear is needed.
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Your retainers are to be taken out to eat. They may be left in when drinking cool liquids.
Remove and insert your retainers carefully to avoid breaking the plastic or deforming the
wires.
Brush your retainer with toothpaste when you brush your teeth. Cleansers intended for
dentures will aid in keeping retainers clean.
DO NOT expose your plastic retainers to heat - - they will warp. Use cold water to clean
your retainers.
Your retainers will lose their “plastic” taste within a few days. Soaking your retainer in
non-alcohol-based mouthwash may help.
The retainer will affect your speech initially. Leave the retainer in and your tongue will
adapt to the retainer in a few days. It helps to read aloud from a book to learn to speak
clearly with your new retainers.
Never wrap your retainer in a napkin when eating. It will be forgotten when you leave the table
and will be thrown away.
Never place your retainer in your pocket without the retainer in its case - it will get broken.
Never leave your retainer out of its case where a pet or small child can find it. Pets love to chew
on the plastic, which, to them, smells like you.
Always store your retainer in its proper case when it’s not in your mouth. This will completely
solve broken retainer problems.
Always bring your retainer to your adjustment appointment.
Should you LOSE or BREAK this retainer, there will be an additional charge for us to remake
this appliance. If you lose or break your retainer, contact our office as soon as possible so a
replacement can be made.
If you do not wear your retainers according to instructions given, relapse (shifting) of your teeth
CAN BE EXPECTED. Additional charges are made for re-treatment when retainers have not
been properly worn.