Archive for the ‘After Braces’ Category

WELCOME Brochure

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

As a patient getting started with our Orthodontic Office – you will want to refer to this handy information throughout the course of your treatment.  We have now created a PDF version of our Welcome Brochure and invite you to browse through and “remember” some of the many things we have discussed prior to and throughout your treatment.  As always, if you have any questions – give us a call!

SmileOdontics Welcome Brochure

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Friday, August 22nd, 2008

Sometimes a patient may experience the movement of teeth to positions as prior to treatment. Settling or shifting teeth following treatment as well as after retention will most likely occur in varying degrees and spaces can occur between front teeth where none existed before treatment. Sometimes we might advise the wearing of a retaining appliance every night or a few evenings each week for an indefinite period. Failure to follow this advice may cause serious and permanent injury and destroy all of our efforts. The lower incisors frequently overlap and have to remain as such, usually due to a strong bite.

Decalcification

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

“Tooth discoloration” may result. Oral Hygiene must be maintained and just good hygiene may not be enough – we encourage you to have EXCELLENT Oral Hygiene. Poor hygiene may result in cavities, decalcification, discolored teeth and / or gum disease. Avoiding hard and sticky foods will help keep bands and brackets from loosening. Calling our office to report any loose bands as soon as they are noticed will help minimize decay and gum problems. It is important to brush the teeth and gums immediately after eating. This will help prevent decalcifications, resulting in the white, soft enamel areas that can become decayed. Routine visits for cleaning and topical fluoride treatments are an important part of your child’s treatment.

Retainer Instructions

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
  • Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  • Take your retainers out when eating… and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
  • Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  • When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  • Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  • Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
  • Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
  • Retainer replacement is expensive… with proper care they will last for years!
  • Remove retainers when swimming.
  • Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.

Brushing

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
At each of your appointments, Doctor will be doing an Oral Hygiene Check – if you need to improve in this area a letter may be sent home with you to remind you how important Brushing is to the success of your treatment.  Continued Poor Oral Hygiene can result in the termination of your treatment.
After your treatment is complete – Brushing will be just as important as you will want to SMILE more to show off those “straight” teeth.  The benefit to life after braces is that those who previously had difficulties in getting between crooked teeth will now find brushing and keeping areas clean easier after their orthodontic treatment.