SmileOdontics – “a great smile is a good investment”

Complete diagnostic records can be taken at the same time as your consultation if you would like or at a separate, second visit. Records include making a plaster study model of the teeth, taking photos of the patients face and teeth, and panoramic / cephalometric x-rays. After the doctor has evaluated your records, we discuss your specific treatment with you in detail, including the cost for your particular case.

Typically, once the Records have been taken and your decision to move forward with treatment is made, we will schedule a Banding Appointment. Depending on the type of treatment (single arch, limited or full treatment with both arches) – the length of your banding appointment will vary from 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours.  This appointment is when the brackets are placed on the teeth and while no invasive steps are necessary, patient’s may be tender after their appointment.  EVERYONE is different though, some patients experience only minor soreness and can eat a normal diet; others experience more tenderness and may want to only eat soft foods.  Your mouth will adjust and in just a matter of time the braces will be a part of your “normal” routine.

The mouth is very sensitive to changes and the introduction of any appliance means that the patient should expect a period of adjustment. There may be some occasional discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment. This usually can be resolved by using a simple, over-the-counter headache remedy such as Tylenol or Advil.

Instructions must be followed carefully as headgear can be dangerous. Always remove the elastic force before removing the headgear from your mouth to prevent it from springing back and causing injury to the face or eyes. Headgear should not be worn when there is a chance that it could be bumped or pulled off. This includes many sporting activities, especially contact sports. Safety devices have been developed and are being used, but there is currently no fool-proof device when a patient is careless.

This is the most important factor in completing treatment on time. The improper wearing of elastics, removable appliances, headgear or neck-strap; broken appliances and / or missed appointments may prevent our obtaining the desirable tooth position anticipated. These are factors which can lengthen treatment and adversely affect the quality of treatment results.

We would hope to have a fine orthodontic result provided that we have informed and cooperative patients and parents. Certain things are very important to remember in this regard, such as:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene
• Eating proper foods
• Care of the appliances
• Keeping regularly scheduled appointments
• Cooperation with respect to instructions, rubber bands, headgear, retainers, etc.
• Maintaining regular 6 month visits with your general dentist for exams and cleanings

Cooperation throughout treatment is one of the most important factors that you can contribute that will assist us in establishing a pleasing smile and a good bite. Following directions is your responsibility and we are anxious to assist you in this regard at any time.

To encourage our patients to take care of their braces, we request that you avoid hard and sticky foods, brush after every meal and floss and Water-pik at night. Broken brackets can result in emergency situations as well as causing inconveniences in scheduling for extra-curricular student activities. Our office policy for broken brackets is as follows:

a) Please call the office and alert our office staff of the situation.

b) Repairs for broken brackets are done only in the morning. If a patient is found to have a broken bracket at a “regular” appointment, the bracket will be removed and the patient will be reappointed for the next available morning appointment to re-bond the bracket.

c) There will be a charge of $40 for every broken bracket past four broken brackets (unless undue negligence is noted and then charges apply no matter “how many” broken brackets.)

d) Lack of care of the appliances may result in dismissal from the practice.

• 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.