 1.
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Do braces hurt? |
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Your teeth will be sore for a few days after the braces are first
applied. Tylenol or Advil will take care of any discomfort. Your teeth
may be a little sore after your monthly adjustments, but most of the
time, you probably won't even notice the braces are there. |
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2.
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How long do I wear braces? |
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Usual treatment length is 2 years with upper and lower braces. However,
any treatment time will depend on your cooperation. The better you
care for your braces and teeth the sooner they come off. Broken wires,
loose bracket, cavities, "puffy gums" not wearing elastics or head
gear and broken and changed appointments all delay the "braces off"
day. |
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3.
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Will I need to wear headgear or elastics? |
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Not everyone needs to wear headgear, but if you do, it is usually
worn at home and while sleeping. Those people using elastics will
wear them all the time, except when eating or brushing. The more you
wear these, the sooner you can stop. |
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4.
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Will I get white spots? |
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White spots are decalcification of the enamel. This occurs when brushing
techniques are poor and the diet consists of a lot of sugar. The acid
in soda is also a big factor. Plaque builds up around the brackets
and when left there, it starts to breakdown the enamel. If you eat
or drink a lot of sugar or acid, you should rinse your mouth out with
water if you can't brush. We also recommend regular cleanings with
your dentist every 6 months. |
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5.
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Playing Sports/Musical Instruments |
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SPORTS: Mouthguards are recommended to protect your teeth
as well as preventing concussions during sports. A special mouthguard
will be provided if you are involved in a sport while wearing braces.
MUSIC: Getting used to playing a musical instrument with
braces may take some time, you may notice sore areas around the inside
of your lips and cheeks at first. This should go away and you will
get used to playing your instrument while wearing braces. |
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6.
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Retainers |
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Once your braces are removed you will need to wear retainers to help
keep your teeth in position. You will have to wear them "full time"
for a while and then at some point be able to wear them just at night.
Night time wear will be very important for years to come. If retainers
are not worn on a regular basis teeth can start moving!
Retainers are taken out to eat Keep
them in your case while eating.
 Do
not wrap them in a napkin because you could accidentally throw them
out!
Do
not put them in your pocket they can get bent or broken.
Keep your retainers away from pets
Dogs
think it is a chew toy and will destroy it!
Cats will "bat" them around and they could get lost or stepped on!
Clean your retainers daily
Clean
your retainers daily by brushing them with toothpaste or baking soda.
By wearing your retainers clean on a regular basis your teeth should
stay straight for years to come. |
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7.
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Do I need any special tools to clean my teeth? |
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A soft toothbrush and floss are the basics. Dr. Beinoras does recommend
an electric toothbrush and water pic for a more thorough cleaning.
We will give you a prescription for a special fluoride toothpaste
for added protection. |
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8.
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What if one of my braces breaks? |
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Please call as soon a you realize something is loose or broken.
We will determine if you need to come right in or if you can wait
for your scheduled appointment. Remember that your braces won't
work right if something is broken or missing.
Take
care of your braces. Don't pick at them.
Don't
chew or bite on hard things like pens, pencils, ice or carrots.
Keep
your teeth & braces clean.
Watch
for problems.
Brackets are bonded to the teeth. They have grooves to hold
the archwire. (These can come unglued and slide on the archwire
- may cause a sore - call us)
Archwires connects the brackets. These will bend or come
out of the back tube if something hard is bitten.
Ties are colored elastics that hold the archwires into the
brackets. These colors may be changed monthly.
Bands are glued around your back molars and act as anchors
for the archwires. They have tubes on the cheek-side, also for headgear
use. These tubes can be bent or broken off if something too hard
is chewed.
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