Every day when you brush your teeth, check to make sure you do not have any loose braces by gently sliding your tongue across your teeth. Be sure to keep your braces and teeth clean by flossing daily, and brushing at least twice per day. Keep in mind which foods you should and should not eat, to ensure that your braces do not break. Keep in mind that if your braces break, Dr. Zuch will repair the damage, but an abundance of emergency repairs can prolong treatment.
Elastics
Elastics are rubber bands that are attached to brackets, causing teeth to move to correct your bite.
• Putting on your elastics will become easier with practice.
• Remove them only for eating or brushing, then replace with a fresh set.
• Part-time wear does NOT move teeth, it will cause prolonged discomfort.
• Rinsing with salt water will help reduce any tenderness (or ask a parent for Advil/Motrin).
• Carry extra elastics with you at all times (call us if you run out).
• Before you leave the office, be absolutely sure you understand exactly where to hook the elastics. Hooking them on incorrectly can be worse than not wearing them at all, as your teeth might move in the opposite direction.
• If you ever have any questions on how to wear your elastics, please do not hesitate to ask.
Removable Appliances
Wear your removable appliances and/or elastics faithfully, as directed by the staff and Dr. Zuch. Your estimated treatment time is based on full cooperation with wearing appliances and elastics (rubber bands) as directed.
It should be worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment. Wear your appliance at all times, even while you are asleep. It may be removed while swimming or engaging in vigorous sporting activities. In two to three days, your speech will return to normal with the appliance in place. Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your appliance.
Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums, call our office so we can arrange to adjust the appliance. Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may throw it away. Don’t put it in your pocket when playing, or you may break or lose it. Whenever it is not in your mouth, it should be in its plastic appliance case.
Keep your appliance away from dogs or cats, as they love to chew on them. Avoid storing it near any source of heat. An additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances. Please bring your retainers to all appointments.
Please do not eat any foods that could damage your appliances and delay your treatment. Wear a mouth guard for any activities that might injure your teeth, gums, or cheeks. Repairing broken braces requires longer appointments during school hours.
Retainers
Retainers are placed after active treatment is complete, to preserve the alignment of the teeth. The retainer may cause a slight lisp, but don’t be alarmed: speech usually returns to normal within a few days. The day after you receive your retainer, your teeth may be a bit sore. This won’t last long. The tissue on the roof of your mouth may become a little tender. You should get used to this in two to three days. Since retainers are removable, you must be responsible to use and care for them properly. Strict attention to instructions is essential.
Your retainer should be worn at ALL times except when eating at home, brushing, participating in contact sports, or swimming in a lake (or ocean) where they could not be retrieved if lost. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should be kept in the case. Do not put it on a table where it might get knocked off or in a pocket where it may be easily cracked. Keep it away from dogs, which like to chew on retainers if given the opportunity.
If you must remove your retainer, NEVER wrap it in a paper towel, napkin or tissue. This is the most common way of losing a retainer. ALWAYS put it in the plastic retainer case we give you and always keep it in a safe place.
Your retainer should be cleaned after each meal and before going to bed. Fill your soaking case 3/4 will cool water, add your retainer(s), and add a tablet of Retainer Brite (do not use denture cleaning tabs). Retainers can be cleaned with your regular toothbrush as well. Clean the retainer gently, being careful not to bend any wires. Before placing the cleaned retainer in your mouth, be sure to rinse it thoroughly and brush your teeth. If the retainer or teeth are not kept clean, an irritation of the gums may result.
Retainers are made to withstand normal use, but they crack or break if handled roughly. Retainers also can break if they are stepped on, dropped or placed in pockets. If yours breaks, be sure to bring in the pieces to your appointment. If your retainer becomes cracked, DO NOT wear it. Call our office immediately.
For your FREE consult call 914-245-6506
The Tooth Mover • Adult & Child Orthodontics