STARTING TREATMENT 

     After your exam and consultation appointment, the first step to beginning treatment is having your separators placed.  These are spacers, placed between your back teeth, to make room for the orthodontic bands and/or the appliance.  For younger patients, spacers are an easy adjustment.  For adults, the spacers can create mild to moderate soreness in the teeth.  It is important to remember that separators must be replaced if they come out, unless otherwise instructed by your assistant.  Having ample space between your teeth makes the banding appointment much easier and more comfortable for you. 

     Depending on your course of treatment, your level of sensitivity and your age, coping with braces and/or an appliance can be an easy or difficult adjustment.  For most patients, getting braces is a relatively simple process.  The procedure itself takes about 2 hours to complete and is NOT painful!  You can expect your teeth to become sore a few hours afterwards, and the soreness is at it’s worst the next two days.  Most patients find relief with Tylenol or Advil.  After day two, you should begin to feel much better, but some patients are sore for about a week.  One of the most common complaints at the beginning of treatment, is tenderness in the cheeks and gums.  It is helpful to rinse with warm salt water (8oz. of water to 1 T. of salt) 3 times a day until this period ends.  This helps to toughen the skin in the mouth.  Also, using the wax that we have provided is very helpful.  Simply cover the areas that are tender, especially at night and while you sleep.  Remember, these symptoms are temporary and will come to an end!  If you feel an area of your braces poking or making a  sore, you can call our office - there are usually things we can do to help make you more comfortable.

◙ If you are getting an appliance, or are having a problem during treatment, you can click on the appropriate link above for more information.

YOUR VISITS 

HYGIENE - There are many things you can do to make your treatment easier and faster.  At every visit, we ask that you brush your teeth at the toothbrushing station (there is one at each location) before being called back for your appointment.  Not only will you be receiving a toothbrushing grade at each visit, but clean teeth makes it much easier for the assistants to perform your procedure.  Toothbrushing grades are used to help identify oral hygiene problems, so that decalcification, or stains on the teeth can be prevented. 

◙ For more information on the proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques used during treatment, click on the “oral hygiene” link above.

BREAKAGE - It is normal to have a few problems during the course of treatment, especially in the beginning.  When braces are first placed, your teeth move very quickly; the wires are flexible and can move and bend easily.  Also, the braces glue is not intended to be permanent, and it is common to lose a bracket or two during treatment.  Remembering a few tips will help you stay on track.

1.  Breakage should be reported to our office - even if your appointment is right around the corner! Remember, you may only be scheduled for a short check-up, and any breakage requires additional time so that we can accomplish all that needs to be done.

2.  If a bracket comes loose that is used for your elastics, do NOT stop wearing your elastics.  Instead, move your elastic pattern forward or backward one tooth on both sides until you have the bracket fixed. 

3.  Adhere to the food restrictions on the food list in your packet.  Eating sticky, chewy or hard foods during treatment can cause damage to your braces.  Excessive breakage can cause delays in your treatment and in some cases, can harm your teeth. 

◙ For a list of foods and other things to avoid during treatment, click on the link below.

APPOINTMENTS - It is important to remember that your appointments are valuable time slots that we have reserved specifically for you!  If you are unable to make your appointment for any reason, we ask that you call our office at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.   Please keep in mind that long procedures are very difficult to reschedule. 

FINISHING TREATMENT 

The most common question that we are asked is “When are my braces coming off?”.  Every patient has an estimated completion date, which is determined when Dr. Diers diagnosis your case.  This date is written on the bottom left corner of your chart.  You can view this date at your appointments, or if you do not see it, ask your assistant for your dates.  If you are compliant with your treatment - wearing your elastics full-time and/or any appliance, then you can expect to finish your treatment on time.  If you are not compliant, then your treatment will take longer.  The assistants will keep you informed of your progress, or you can ask at any appointment.

◙ For more information on the Elastics, click on the “Elastics” link above.  

Towards the end of your braces treatment, you will have the option to get a tooth positioner.  This is an appliance, provided at no additional cost,that is worn after the braces are removed.  Depending on your decision, your appointments will vary from this point till the end of your treatment.  You will also have an option when it comes to your retainers, as we offer glued and removable retainers. 

◙ For more information regarding the tooth positioner and/or the retainers, click on the ”appliance” link above.