- What will the sequence of treatment be?
a. First and second visit: If the patient has a deepbite (overbite) tendency,
they will receive the upper braces during this visit in order to reduce the
overbite, and receive the lower braces on their second visit. If the teeth
don’t overlap enough (open-bite tendency), the patient will typically get
the upper and lower front braces during the first visit (or just the upper),
and the upper and lower back braces on the second visit or a combination of
the above as per the doctor’s recommendation for each individual case. The
braces will be placed close to the gums if one has an open-bite tendency,
or close to the edge of the teeth if one has a deepbite (overbite) tendency.
b. Third and remaining visits: Adjustment of the braces is done by changing
the elastic ties around the braces, or by repositioning , adding or removing
one or more of the braces.
- What are the elastic ties for around the braces, and what happens if one
of them comes off?
They are called “v-ties”, and they are used to hold the wire in place.
If one of them comes off, the patient should wait until the next appointment
and it will be replaced.
- What is tooth recontouring?
Recontouring, or interproximal reduction, or slenderizing, is the process
of making some of the teeth slightly narrower. It is used to acquire more
space for the teeth, to avoid extractions or to make teeth more attractive.
- What should the patient do if the braces become an irritant?
First apply the wax that the patient is given. Cut off a small piece of
it and roll it into a ball the size of the brace that needs to be covered.
Gently squeeze the wax ball over the brace that’s causing the irritation.
Talking or eating with the wax in place is more comfortable immediately after
its application. If the wax is swallowed, it’s okay. Replace it with a new
piece. As always when wearing braces, eat slowly and cut the food into small
pieces. It takes 2-3 days, and sometimes longer, to fully adjust to the pressure
of the braces in the mouth. Discomfort and irritation will gradually lessen.
Of course, please feel free to call our office if you have any questions.
- What if the wire works itself out of place?
On occasion, the wire may come loose and become bothersome to the patient.
If one can’t schedule a visit with their doctor in a reasonable amount of
time, the patient and/or their legal guardian may attempt to clip the wire.
To do this, one should use a pair of clippers (nail clippers, for instance)
to detach the loose wire. We recommend wrapping tissue around the wire prior
to clipping, to help reduce the possibility of swallowing the wire after it’s
clipped. If the patient does swallow a piece of wire or a brace, and they
begin coughing, one should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest
emergency room.
- What happens if the patient has an accident?
Even though all patients are encouraged to wear a mouth guard while at
play and are asked to “enjoy the munch, not the crunch” of hard foods by crushing
them into small, easy to eat pieces, sometimes the patient may forget and
a brace may become loose. If this happens due to an accident while playing
sports, one should go straight to the nearest emergency room. If it happens
while eating, the patient may not notice it until a later time. If the patient
is able to remove the broken bracket or the one that is loose, they should
do so. If it does not slide out, the patient may leave it alone. In any case,
if the patient does not feel discomfort, he/she may wait until the next office
visit. If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sideways, one should
try to rotate it back into position where it can slide easily along the wire,
unless the wire has worked itself out of position.
- How much should the patient wear their rubber bands?
Rubber bands are to be worn while sleeping and as much as possible during
the day. They may be removed when eating or brushing. They should be changed
daily. If the jaw muscles become sore, stop, rest and continue as soon as
possible. If the bracket breaks, the patient should wear elastics on the remaining
teeth until their next appointment.