Braces

Braces are the most common appliance used in orthodontic treatment. They are comprised of three major devices: brackets, bands, and a wire. Brackets are small stainless steel or ceramic devices attached to the outer surface of teeth. Bands are rings that go around molars, and they provide a solid anchorage point for the wire. The wire attaches the band to the brackets, and it provides applies a controlled force to move teeth.  Finally, small elastic ties secure the wire to the brackets. Braces are used to straighten misaligned or crowded teeth.  While braces are most frequently seen on children and teenagers, they can be used on adults to create a balanced bite and an esthetic smile.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Maintaining Your Braces

Oral Hygiene

Brushing

• Hold toothbrush at an angle and press firmly against the teeth, moving the brush in small circles.
• Brush above and below the wire, as well as the chewing surfaces and tongue-side surfaces
• Brush at least twice a day, at morning and at night

Flossing

• Place floss threader under the wire and pull the floss through.
• Wrap floss around index fingers and gently press the floss between the two teeth.
• Slide the floss up and down along both teeth.
• When clean, pull the floss through and repeat between the next pair of teeth
• Superfloss by Oral-B can also be used in lieu of a floss threader.

Food Precautions

It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet while you have braces since they are delicate and can be damaged with sticky and hard foods.

Foods to be avoided:

Hard Foods:

• Ice
• Popcorn
• Pizza crusts and other hard breads
• Nuts
• Pretzels
  

Sticky Foods:

• Caramels, taffy, and other chewy candy
• Chewing gum

Handling Orthodontic Emergencies

Most orthodontic emergencies can easily be treated with a follow-up appointment with an orthodontist.

• Discomfort
  • It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort for a couple days after an adjustment or retainer delivery. If this occurs, eating soft foods, rinsing with warm salt water, and taking the appropriate anti-inflammatory medications can help.
• Mouth Sores
  • Some patients are vulnerable to mouth sores or irritation of the lips and cheeks. If this occurs, it may be uncomfortable, but it is not an emergency. Applying wax to the braces or applying topical anesthetic such as Orabase or Ora-Gel, which can be purchased at a drug store, can provide relief to the sore.
    
• Pokey Wire
  • Sometimes the end of the wire can be displaced and irritate a patient's mouth. A Q-tip or pencil eraser can be used to push the wire against the tooth, and wax can be applied to prevent irritation of the cheeks. Please let Dr. Anderson aware of the situation, so a follow up appointment can be made.
• Loose Brackets or Bands
  • Sometimes brackets and bands may come loose if the patient eats hard or chewy foods or if the patient is hit during athletics. Call Dr. Anderson to schedule an appointment to repair the bracket/band.

“You are truly one in a million and words sometimes cannot express the gratitude that we feel.  James loves you and we love you for your kindness and support. From our family to yours, thank you so much.”