- What do I need to know about my new braces?
First go to the videos page on our website and watch both the Your New Braces and Brushing with Braces videos. They will answer a lot of your questions. Then review the printed material you were given at your appointment for more details. If you still have a question, you can call the office during regular office hours.
- What should I do if my teeth hurt from my braces?
When your teeth are sore from the braces be sure to eat soft foods, cut food into smaller pieces so chewing is minimized and use over-the-counter pain medication. For medications like Advil, Tylenol, Aleve or Motrin to be effective, they need to be taken at least three (3) times. Do not take all three doses at once, but spread them out. In the case of Advil, Tylenol or Motrin, take a dose every 4-6 hours. In the case of Aleve, take a dose every 8-12 hours. This means that it could take from 8-24 hours before there is significant relief from the discomfort of braces, making it very important to start right away with medication to get a head-start on the pain.
- I just got braces and noticed they are crooked on my teeth. Is this normal?
Because each brace was individually fitted to the tooth, they initially appear crooked on the teeth because the teeth are crooked. This is only true in the first few months with new braces. As the teeth begin to straighten, so will the braces.
- How long will it take to straighten my teeth?
Because no two problems are the same, no two treatments are the same. Depending on the complexity and how fast the teeth actually move, treatment can take anywhere from six months to three years. The average orthodontic problem is treated in about 18 months. Treatment with Invisalign takes about the same amount of time as with conventional braces.
- What will I notice when my teeth begin to straighten?
The first thing you will notice with braces is that the teeth will become sore to biting. They will also become slightly mobile. You will be able to wiggle them with you fingers. This is normal and does not mean your teeth will fall out. Next you will notice the teeth will begin to straighten up even in the first couple of weeks. Often by about three or four months into treatment the teeth will look pretty straight. Before treatment is complete the bite needs to be fitted correctly. Often this important part can take an additional 12-18 months of treatment.
- What should I do if the wire or the brace is scratching my cheek?
If a wire or some part of the brace is scratching the inside of your cheek, use wax to make the sharp spot soft so the check can heal. Then if the scratching persists, call the office and arrange to have a comfort visit to clip the wire or smooth the brace.
- What should I do if a brace comes loose?
During orthodontic treatment a brace can become detached from the tooth. This happens when the glue that adheres the brace to the tooth breaks. This is usually caused by chewing foods that are hard, thus overpowering the strength of the glue. If this happens, call the office and arrange for a special visit to have the brace re-applied. It is important not to wait until the next regular appointment since this will delay the progress of the treatment (usually a month or more in each case).
- How do the braces work?
The braces are really just a handle that holds onto the teeth. The archwire, which connects the braces, actually does most of the work of moving the teeth. During treatment the archwire is changed or adjusted to keep the tooth alignment progressing. Teeth are held into the bone by a root that fits into a socket. Orthodontics works by moving the root through the bone and widening the socket slightly to facilitate movement. This widened socket is what causes the teeth to be slightly mobile during treatment.
- What are the advantages of "pre-fitted" or "indirect bonded" braces?
Not many offices use the "indirect" method to apply "pre-fitted" braces. There is considerable laboratory time needed to apply the braces by this method. There are several advantages to "pre-fitted" braces. First, the braces can be fitted more accurately on the model of the teeth. Accurate initial placement leads to shorter treatment times through more precise movement. Second, because the braces have already been fitted on the model of the teeth, the actual application to the teeth only takes about 30-40 minutes rather than the usual two or two and a half hours.
- Do clear braces work as well as metal braces?
The biggest advantage to clear braces is they are less visible; however there are a couple of disadvantages to consider. First, the clear braces are not quite as strong as the metal and will not move the teeth as fast, sometimes resulting in slightly longer treatment times. Second, the clear ties that go around the braces and hold the archwire in place can yellow, especially when eating foods that have a lot of color, like spaghetti, curry, coffee, tea, colas, Doritos, ketchup, mustard, etc. Third, the clear braces do cost a little more than conventional metal braces. This is reflected in an additional fee for their use.
- What is root positioning and why do I need an x-ray taken for this step?
Approximately midway through orthodontic treatment with braces it becomes necessary to view the root positions of all the teeth. Usually a routine panoramic x-ray is taken to view the roots prior to a root positioning appointment. At this repositioning appointment braces are removed from any teeth where the roots need to be adjusted. The braces are then replaced in such a way as to keep the crown of the tooth properly positioned and to adjust the root so that all roots are evenly spread at the end of treatment. It has been shown that this root positioning helps with overall periodontal health and stability of the result for the long term.