Spacers
Spacers are often placed between the back teeth a week or two prior to having the braces placed. These create space for the bands or rings to be fitted properly at the first braces appointment. The spacers can be annoying and cause some soreness of the teeth for two or three days.

Discomfort
It is not uncomfortable to have the braces placed. Activating the braces to move teeth usually does result in some initial discomfort. This usually takes approximately 2 to 4 days before the teeth feel comfortable again. Some succeeding adjustments will also mean some minor discomfort, but usually is less as treatment progresses.

Emergengies
Even though you are careful, you still may have some occasional breakage. If a band comes loose from a tooth or a main arch wire (the one that goes all the way around the outside of your braces) breaks, call our office for an emergency appointment. A loose band can trap food and bacteria which can cause decay. A broken archwire can be sharp and poke the soft tissues. Wax, which is provided by our office, can be placed over the pokey wire. Sometimes a small wire breaks which can be turned down with a pencil eraser for comfort. When in doubt, please call. Remember: Please report any lost, broken or loose braces or retainers immediately, and always call before your appointment if you have any damage to your braces or removable appliances.

Foods
Some foods are harmful to your braces. These foods can break your braces and bend or weaken your arch wires. These problems can delay your treatment and prevent you form getting your braces off in the estimated amount of time.

Sticky gummy foods--such as taffy, caramels, gum (including sugar-free), tootsie rolls
Hard Foods--such as nuts, popcorn, ice, hard candy, lollipops
Crisp foods--pizza crust, doritos, hard pretzels

Foods such as carrots, apples, bagels, celery, corn on the cob should be cut into small pieces and placed in your mouth. Do not bite directly into these foods.

Biting on pens and pencils and chewing fingernails will also cause damage to your braces.

Please report any breakage to our office as soon as possible to avoid problems.

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Injuries
Following a direct injury to your face, mouth or teeth, whether undergoing orthodontics or not, you should be seen by your regular dentist as soon as possible. An x-ray of the involved tooth or teeth may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Please call us immediately after seeing your family dentist. If the orthodontic appliances are dislodged or displaced, we will need to replace or adjust them as soon as possible. If you are unable to reach your family dentist or an alternate emergency facility, call our office and we will try to assist you in locating someone to care for your injury.

Oral Hygiene
Clean teeth and braces provide the best protection against damage to your teeth! Patients should brush their teeth immediately after each meal and at least 3 times per day. Most of the damage done to the teeth occurs within the first half-hour after eating. Individual instruction will be given at the start of everyone's treatment. Please inquire if you are not sure about the proper tooth brushing technique with braces. Be especially careful that the areas between the braces and gum tissues are shiny and clean. Gums that bleed need more brushing. If you are unable to brush at school, brush after having a snack when you get home from school.

Please Remember:
Cleanliness of your teeth and braces is your best protection against damage to your teeth!

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Retainers
At the completion of the active phase of your orthodontic treatment, the braces will be removed and you will wear removable appliances called retainers. To retain means to hold. Your teeth must be retained or held in their new positions while the tissues, meaning the bone, elastic membranes around the roots, the gums, tongue and lips have adapted themselves to the new tooth positions. Teeth can move if they are not retained. You will wear retainers during the day and while sleeping for 6 months. Retainer wear will gradually be decreased after that. The schedule the doctor puts you on with your retainers is to prevent tooth movement. It is extremely important to wear your retainers as directed!

Sports and Instruments
A mouthguard is highly recommended for all contact sports. It needs to be the kind that is molded over your braces after being heated and will need to be remolded every few weeks as your teeth move. Our office will supply a mouthguard to you if you request one.

If you play an instrument, be assured that wearing braces will not interfere with your music. You may find it easier to limit playing your instrument for the first few days after braces are placed in order to allow your lips and teeth to adjust to the new braces.

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