CONGRATULATIONS

ON YOUR FIRST STEP

TO A SIGNATURE SMILE!!!

We have now completed the first major step in your orthodontic treatment and you are on your way to a winning smile!  Now, we must ask for your cooperation in some specific areas, so that we can work together as a team to help you have your best smile possible.

What’s in there?

BANDS are made of stainless steel.  They are cemented to and encircle your back teeth.  They serve as an anchor for the arch wire. 

BRACKETS are the small appliances that are bonded directly to the front of each tooth. Occasionally, brackets are bonded to the inside of the teeth.

ARCHWIRES are the U-shaped wires that go around each arch usually from molar to molar.  The archwire forms a track to guide the movement of teeth and puts slight pressure on the teeth, moving them (a little at a time) more closely to their ideal positions. 

Braces and Oral Hygiene

Keeping your teeth and appliances sparkling clean is a must.  Brackets, bands, and archwires do create a small shelf around the outside of the teeth.  This ‘shelf’ makes it more challenging for your toothbrush to clean the spaces between your gums and the braces.  Plaque is the layer of harmful sticky bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums and can cause cavities and gum disease.  If plaque builds up between the gums and the braces, the gums swell.  This may make it even more difficult to clean once the gums are swollen.  Neglecting to clean the teeth and exercise and clean the gums may result in decalcification (white spots) and decay. 

SO—WHEN AND HOW SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR TEETH WITH BRACES?

WHEN?  If possible, within five to ten minutes after eating.  Easy to say, but sometimes hard to do?  That’s why we suggest you carry a travel toothbrush with you.   

HOW?  Using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, start brushing the outside surface of your teeth with a back-and-forth and circular motion. Be sure to tilt the bristles into the area right next to the gums, (called the sulcus).  Bacteria love to hide there.  Brush the inside surface of your teeth with the same back-and-forth and circular motion.  Now brush near the gums-as well as the gums themselves-this time using circular strokes.  Brush the chewing surface of your teeth last.  Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and help you have fresh breath.  Rinse your mouth vigorously and thoroughly.  Look in a mirror to see if you have missed any places.  If you see any places you’ve missed, brush them now.  If you’ve brushed correctly, your teeth and bands should sparkle! 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING…A toothbrush can’t clean between your teeth and won’t keep your teeth entirely free of plaque.  Flossing cleans an additional 20% of the tooth’s surfaces compared to brushing alone, and doing so at least once a day is the best way to prevent a build-up of plaque between teeth and around your gums.  

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HYGIENE…

Dr. Skelton and his staff strongly recommend the use of an electric toothbrush, (such as a Philips Sonicare or Oral-B^® Triumph^®).  

Studies have shown that using a high-quality electric toothbrush for two minutes can get your teeth really clean.  Most stains are removed by using an electric toothbrush also.  Plaque and cavities don’t stand a chance! 

A FLUORIDE MOUTH RINSE or a fluoride gel at bedtime will give an extra boost of protection against cavities. 

REGULAR VISITS to your family dentist for exams and cleanings is extremely important.

A FEW HELPFUL HINTS…

BE CAREFUL of your appliances.  They’re not indestructible.  They can become dislodged or even broken, if care is not taken.  If a band, bracket, or archwire becomes loose or broken, please call right away.  Remember, a broken or loose appliance cannot correct your teeth - but it can delay progress. 

AVOID EATING HARD, STICKY, CHEWY FOODS.  Ice, hard nuts, tortilla and corn chips are a few examples.  Cut fresh fruits, vegetables, hard breads, etc., into bite-size pieces.  Caramel, taffy, and other sticky foods can loosen your bands and brackets.  Remember, you can choose substitutes for some of your favorite foods.  For example, cheese puffs instead of hard tortilla chips, chocolate and peanut butter candy bar instead of one with nuts and caramel.  Brush your teeth immediately after eating sweets or sodas. If brushing is not possible, at least rinse vigorously with water to remove some food particles and sugars.

KEEP FOREIGN OBJECTS OUT OF YOUR MOUTH…

It’s a great time to break some bad habits, some you may not even know you had!!  Chewing on pencils, biting fingernails, and opening water bottles with your teeth are some examples of habits that could be dangerous for your teeth and appliances. 

GOOD ADVICE…

TYLENOL is helpful for soreness of the teeth.  Warm saltwater rinses can help with gum and tissue irritation.  A blister can be coated with Zylactin to reduce pain.  Also, we can give you a Thera-bite that helps relieve soreness.

TAKING AN ACTIVE, CARING PART IN YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR BEST SMILE IN THE LEAST TIME POSSIBLE!

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE OFFICE?

CALL OUR OFFICE, even if you’re scheduled to come in soon, if a band or bracket should become loose.  This way, we can schedule the right amount of time and be prepared to rebond an appliance, keeping your treatment running smoothly. 

WE CAN HELP!  If you have questions, anyone on our staff can help.  That’s what we’re here for.

ONCE AGAIN - CONGRATULATIONS!  DR. SKELTON AND HIS STAFF ARE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!  WELCOME!