Download Your New Braces - Advanced Orthodontics

N64 W24050 Main St., Suite 200
Sussex, WI 53089
(262) 820-0825
ADVANCED ORTHODONTICS
Thank you for choosing our office.
YOUR NEW BRACES
Congratulations! You are now officially on your way to a beautiful smile! As you proceed with
treatment, here is what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.
1. Your braces were carefully placed in a precise position on each tooth so that the final tooth
positions will be correct. Right now, your teeth may not bite completely together and your braces
may feel “high” when you close. Please be patient, your bite will “even out” as your teeth
straighten. Until that time, please be careful not to bite too hard on any one bracket.
2. Throughout treatment, your bite will be constantly changing. In the final stages of treatment your
teeth will begin to really fit together well. Remember, during treatment your mouth is temporarily
“under construction”.
3. Expect some discomfort. Teeth that are moving will be tender at first. You may take a mild pain
reliever (aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen) as needed. The soreness will last only a day or two.
Your teeth will probably experience some tenderness after each adjustment appointment.
4. At first, your lips and cheeks will find the new braces a bit rough. This will improve as your mouth
tissues toughen up. Use soft wax as frequently as needed to keep your lips and cheeks comfortable.
Carry wax with you during the first week or so, and as treatment progresses be sure you always
have extra wax at home, just in case.
5. Most new brace wearers have difficulty at first keeping their teeth, gums, and braces clean. Always
look close-up into a mirror after brushing to be sure you have done a good job. If any gum areas
bleed, this means an infection is starting because the gum line is not being adequately cleansed
and stimulated with your toothbrush. A non-prescription fluoride rinse (ACT or Fluoriguard) is
highly recommended at least once a day.
6. Most of your future appointments will be relatively short (20-30 minutes) adjustment visits, made
at approximately 5 week intervals. Please understand that it is impossible to see all patients after
school or work. To maximize fairness to all, please take your turn by graciously scheduling some
appointments during school or work hours. Longer appointments (appliance installations and
repairs, consultations, emergency and rescheduled broken appointments) cannot be made after
3:00 p.m.
7. Missed appointments delay our treatment and waste valuable time. Please give us adequate notice
(24 hours) if you must change an appointment. If you do not call to reschedule and you miss your
appointment, a broken appointment fee will be charged.
8. Orthodontic emergencies are usually minor problems involving a loose band, bracket, or wire.
Please call our office if something feels loose, broken, or painful. We appreciate knowing about
loose bands, brackets, or wires prior to your scheduled appointment. Often, we can do the repair
at your scheduled appointment, especially if we are prepared for it.
Remember, your full cooperation is the key to successful treatment. Wearing of headgear, rubber
bands and other appliances is essential to an optimal result. Punctuality at your appointment time
assures that you and other patients are not kept waiting as the doctor tries to accommodate late
comers. Our office subscribes to the “golden rule” philosophy.