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The different types of things we place in your mouth are called "APPLIANCES". "Braces" is a general name for specific APPLIANCES such as bands, brackets, archwires, and ligatures (that hold the archwires to the bands and brackets). We will teach you the specific appliance's name after it is placed in your mouth.
Often time there are questions about other appliances that we use frequently besides "braces". Here are a few explanations.
SEPARATORS
Separators (sometimes called spacers) are either round, elastic-like modules or spring-like wires that are placed between the back teeth in order to create some space. This space will make it possible to fit the braces (i.e. bands) on the back teeth at the next appointment. The only thing that holds the separators in the mouth is the tightness between the teeth. Many times the separators will appear to be very loose and on the verge of falling out, but they fall out only infrequently.
Separators will probably make the teeth somewhat tender for a couple of days. This is normal and should be only temporary and only slightly uncomfortable. Everyone reacts a little differently, however, and each person will have a slightly different experience with his/her separators.
Separators can be dislodged with hard or sticky foods, so diet should be restricted somewhat to avoid problems. Also, the spring-like separators, especially, will catch food near the gum line, and oral hygiene should be improved in this area to avoid any gingival swelling. Dental floss will dislodge the separators but a toothbrush should be sufficient to maintain a clean area around the separators.
If you have any further questions regarding the separators, please call the office for more information.
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ELASTICS
Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth and fix your bite. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed at least 3 times/day (or more frequently if they tend to break). Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:
- You are responsible for placing the elastics on your braces between appointments. Make sure to wear them as instructed. Remove them only when eating main meals and when brushing your teeth, gums and braces after meals. Then put fresh elastics back on immediately.
- Always carry a few elastics with you, so if one breaks you can replace it right away. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply of elastics.
- If you forget to insert your elastics one day, don't double up the next day- just follow your regular instructions.
- Elastics become worn out. When they lose their elasticity, they don't provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws. It is very important to change them as directed, even when they are not broken.
- If your elastics break frequently, a wire or band loosens, or a hook breaks off - call our office immediately. Don't wait until your next appointment. These problems need to be corrected as soon as possible.
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EXPANSION APPLIANCES
An expander has been fitted in order to expand your upper jaw.
The doctor will explain the reasons why this device is recommended. In order for you to understand fully what you are doing for yourself and your health, the following are the most important points to remember:
- By widening the upper jaw you can make more room for any crowded teeth. Also, this expansion should help to achieve a better bite.
- A narrow or deep upper jaw may make it harder to breathe through your nose. When widening the upper jaw, the air passages also widen, thus allowing you to breathe more easily through your nose.
- The difference between this type of orthodontic device and braces is that braces move your teeth, while your expander gently separates and widens the two parts of the upper jaw.
Once the upper jaw has been expanded, new bone fills the space and helps maintain the increased width.
After the doctor has cemented the expander in place, the patient will be required to
check it every day and turn the screw as instructed. Parents may help whenever necessary.
How to turn the expansion screw:
If the parent helps the child:
- Have the child lay on a bed or couch with their mouth wide open.
- Carefully insert the key into the hole in the middle of the appliance.
- Gently but steadily push the key from the front towards the back of the child's mouth. Do not back up. You know you have turned far enough when you are able to see the next screw hole.
- If something does not function well, call our office as soon as possible for an appointment.
For most patients this procedure is not painful. However, the pressure of the screw turning may cause a tingling sensation at the bridge of the nose and/or tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity usually lasts about 5 minutes and then starts to fade.
As a parent or guardian it is your responsibility to:
- Confirm turning the screw of the expander as prescribed.
- Closely follow the schedule and instructions provided by your Orthodontist.
- Be regular with the turning of the screw. Do not rush or delay the schedule.
- Ensure that the expander is carefully cleaned each time the child brushes his/her teeth. The use
of an oral irrigation device (i.e. "Water-Pik") will help keep the appliance clean and prevent
irritation.
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REMOVABLE APPLIANCES
- The removable appliance is carefully designed to move or to hold your teeth. An example of a removable appliance that holds your teeth in position is a retainer. It is important that it is worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment.
- Wear your appliance at all times, even while you are asleep. It may be removed while eating, swimming, or playing vigorous sports activities. In two or three days your speech will return to normal with the appliance in place.
- Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your appliance.
- Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums call our office so that we can adjust the appliance.
- Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner (e.g., Efferdent) can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you are wearing a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be extra careful to clean the wire and the area around it. Flossing should be done every day.
- Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may throw it away.
- Keep your appliance away from dogs or cats as they love to chew on them. Avoid storing them near any source of heat. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it. If needed, bring it to the office and we will be happy to disinfect it for you.
- An additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances.
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HEADGEAR
There are different types of headgears (i.e. Hi-pull and Low-pull) that are designed to influence the amount and direction of growth of the upper jaw. When upper jaw growth is modified, then the lower jaw has an opportunity to be in better alignment with the upper and thus improve the overall bite.
It is important that it is worn on a regular basis, as instructed by Dr. Desmarais or Vermette. Failure to comply may result in prolonged treatment.
There are some important rules to follow when wearing headgear:
- Wear the appliance from 12 to 14 hours or as you have been instructed.
- Be careful to insert and remove it as instructed by Dr. Desmarais or Vermette.
- Never try to remove it until the straps have been disconnected.
- Never try to lift it over your face.
- Never wear it when running or playing sports.
- Never allow anyone to grab or pull on your headgear/neckgear.
- Once you start headgear treatment, you must keep it up continuously. Wear the headgear every day and all night. If you leave it off for just one night you may have to wear it MANY EXTRA NIGHTS and extend your treatment unnecessarily.
- Don't goof! Remember-it is your future in which we are interested.
The first few days the headgear is worn the teeth may become sore or tender, however, this will diminish. Tylenol may be helpful for a day or two. If the pain is consistent, please contact the office as soon as possible. Remember, the more you wear your headgear, the sooner you are done with this part of the treatment.
Protect the bow when not in use by keeping it, with neck strap, in a safe place. If the bow is lost or distorted, call us immediately. If a band that is cemented to a tooth becomes loose, call us for an emergency appointment. Bring the band and all other material with you, of course. Never wear your headgear any time you are rough-housing or playing any game when the headgear might be grabbed by a playmate.
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