Q: What if the bands or brackets become loose?
Answer: The seal created by the cement has broken. Call our office and schedule and appointment. If the band or bracket detaches from the wire, save it and bring it with you to your next appointment.

Q: What if the archwire is broken, or a hook or ligature is lost?
Answer: These problems could cause the teeth to shift in the wrong direction and must be corrected as soon as possible. Call our office and schedule an appointment.

Q: What if there is a wire sticking out and poking the mouth?
Answer: Try tucking it in with the eraser part of a pencil. If that doesn't work, dry it with a napkin and place wax over the tip of the wire to prevent further irritation. Wax can also be applied to a bracket or hook that is causing discomfort. Sometimes the wire has slipped out of the last brace on a molar. If the wire is flexible, it can be put back in the horizontal tube by using a flashlight and tweezers.

Q: What if the mouth feels sore?
Answer: To relieve soreness, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and/or take Advil or Tylenol as directed.

Q: What if my child plays sports?
Answer: Be sure to mention this to the doctor.

Q: What if my child or I play a musical instrument?
Answer: Notify the doctor if you play a wind instrument.

Q: Should I be taking any extra vitamins during treatment?
Answer: It is very important that you get enough Vitamin C during treatment as it helps restore and heal bone in addition to helping maintain healthy gums. Check with our office for help in determining which foods might provide enough Vitamin C or how much Vitamin C supplement you should take.

Q: What can I do to help insure the success of my orthodontic treatment?
Answer: Follow all instructions provided by our office. Keep your braces and other appliances spotlessly clean. Wear elastics as required. Keep appointments. Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing as required. Maintain a healthy diet.

Q: What are the names of the different parts of the braces?

Answers:

1. BRACKET - The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded to the band

2. ARCHWIRE - A large removable wire that fits around the arch into the bracket slot slide mechanism that holds the wire

3. HOOKS - Used to attach elastics (rubber bands)

4. BAND - A ring of metal with the bracket attached that is glued onto the tooth