ORTHODONTICS MAINTENANCE

Orthodontics Maintenance

Now that you have your braces in place, it is just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen throughout the length of your treatment as it was before. Braces, wires, bands and appliances can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay and gum disease. Use the interdental brush to carefully clean under braces and appliances to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Broken or disturbed appliances may occur from time to time during your orthodontic care. If there is any disturbance, such as loose bands, broken or poking wires, call our office as soon as possible so we can evaluate the urgency of the situation and schedule you to be seen accordingly. In the interim, the following are helpful hints to remedy some of the issues you may encounter until you can be seen in our office.

Smiling Woman — Parma, OH — Family Dental Care

LOOSE BAND - If band or bracket is still attached to wire, leave in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, place carefully in zip lock bag or envelope until office visit.

LOOSE WIRE – Try to place the wire back in the slot with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip wire with cleaned fingernail clippers behind last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it.

POKING WIRE – Try to push the wire down with clean spoon or eraser. If not possible, place wax on it.

LOST ELASTIC – Notify us at your next appointment.

SORENESS – Use warm salt water rinses and non-prescription pain reliever.

LOOSE APPLIANCE – If appliance, such as an expander is sticking or poking, try to temporarily push it back on to the tooth. Remove it if the entire appliance is loose.

Be careful about what is eaten, as well as resisting the urge to play with appliances with your hands, tongue or any other object, will greatly reduce the chance of having emergencies. Call us if you feel you cannot wait until next appointment, 216-661-2422.