Is it normal to feel like you have loose teeth when you have braces?
Yes. It is to be expected throughout treatment. Don't worry! It's normal. Teeth must loosen first so that they can become rigidly fixed in their new corrected position.
Will my teeth become tender after I visit the orthodontist?
No, not immediately after your visit with the orthodontist. Several hours later, you may feel some tenderness in your teeth and gums. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with salt water. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse the salt around in your mouth vigorously. Also, taking the recommended dose of Advil or Tylenol every 6-8 hours during the first day can relieve some of the tenderness as well.
Is it important to take care of your appliances during your orthodontic treatment?
Yes. It is extremely important! Taking care of your appliances can mean the difference between an extraordinary result and a mediocre result. Poor oral hygiene and multiple broken brackets can seriously compromise the quality and length of your orthodontic treatment.
Should I wear a mouthguard when I play sports with braces on?
If you play sports, it's important that you consult us for any special precautions. A mouthguard is advised when playing any contact sports; with or without braces. If you are involved in an accident involving the face, check you mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, phone our office for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.
What should I do if I have a loose wire, bracket, or band?
Don't be alarmed if a wire, bracket, or band comes loose. This happenes occasionally. If wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument ( like the eraser of a pencil ) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office for an appointment to check the appliance. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office.
Do I need to wear retainers when I am finished with my orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Retainers are a very important part of your orthodontic correction. Please wear your retainers exactly as Dr. Albinder prescribes. Clean your retainers once each day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm water, but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or Retainer Brite appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
Keep your retainers in a retainer case and inside of a drawer. Pets love to chew on retainers and will destroy them if they are left out in the open. Remember, retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately. Always bring your retainers to your appointment. Keep in mind that retainer replacement is expensive......but with proper care, they will last for years!
How often should I brush my teeth?
Brush thoroughly at least four times a day: after every meal and snack, and before you go to bed. If you can't brush right away after a meal, be sure to at least rinse your mouth vigorously with water until you can brush. That way, you'll clear your braces of most of the large food particles. Take your travel toothbrush and Christmas tree brush with you to school or work. At least once every day, brush your teeth and braces thoroughly until they are spotlessly clean, and then floss all of your teeth. Try to do this right before you go to bed so you don't feel rushed and can take your time.
How do I brush my teeth properly?
Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, rounded bristle toothbrush that is in good condition. Brush your teeth and braces the way the technicians Brush around all parts of your braces and every surface of your teeth. Remember to brush the backsides of your teeth, and be sure to brush your tongue. Doing this will not only help to remove food particles from your mouth, it will make your breath fresher. After brushing your teeth, brush your gums gently but thoroughly. Rinse vigorously with water after brushing. Swish the water all around your mouth and teeth. Inspect your teeth and braces carefully to make sure they are spotless.
How do I floss?
Flossing is one of the most important parts of taking care of your teeth during your orthodontic treatment. When flossing with braces on, it might be necessary to use what's called a floss threader. This reuseable tool allow you to get dental floss underneath your archwire easily. Cut off a long piece of floss and loop it through your threader, run the threader under your archwire between two brackets, and, holding one end of the floss, gently pull the threader off. Loop the ends of the floss around your index fingers, forming a "C", and gently floss between your teeth as you normally would. Make sure to carefully clean along your gumline on both sides. When finished between two teeth, just pull the floss through, re-thread the floss through the loop, and repeat the process between your next pair of teeth.
Can poor oral hygiene cause problems during treatment?
Good dental hygiene is a very important part of your orthodontic treatment. Without it, food tends to become trapped in and around your braces, encouraging the accumulation of plaque, a colorless film of bacteria. The bacteria in plaque reacts with the sugars and starches in food and form an acid that can eat away the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities, tooth scars, puffy gums, and a less than perfect smile. Poor oral hygiene habits may require Dr. Albinder to recommend early removal of braces, and/or costly dental and surgical procedures after the braces are removed.
