Life With Braces

General Soreness

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!

Loosening of Teeth

This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don’t worry! It’s normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can be moved. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new – corrected – positions.

Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Retainer Instructions

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
* Take your retainers out when eating… and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
* Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
* If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
* Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
* Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
* Remove retainers when swimming.
* Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Removable Expander Instructions

* Wear your expander all the time. That means all day, during meals, and while sleeping.
* Remove your expander only to brush your teeth. Brush your expander at least twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Fixed Expander Instructions

* Turn your expansion screws as instructed. Insert the key into the hole and turn toward the arrow.
* If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, stop turning the expander.