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Answers to common questions during your orthodontic treatment.
We hope this FAQs page is helpful to you! Please call our office if you have an orthodontic emergency, you have had an accident involving your teeth, or if you do not find the answer to your concern.
Click on a topic below:
· In the beginning…
· Braces
· Forsus/Fred
· Invisalign
· Retainers
In the beginning…
Q.What should I do if I lose a spacer?
A. You can try to put the spacer back yourself by using dental floss. If not, please call our office so that we may further assist you. Remember to avoid sticky foods because they well pull our spacers.
Q. What should I expect the first few days that I have braces?
A. Everyone is a little different, but the initial period of discomfort generally lasts for a few days after braces are put on. Place wax directly on the brackets that are irritating your lips or cheeks to buffer the rubbing. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help with mouth soreness. You may begin to notice spaces that were not there before. That’s great! Your teeth are starting to move, and we will make sure that they are all in their rightful place.
Q. What do I do if I have a pokey wire?
Cover the end of the wire with wax or wet cotton. Call our office for an appointment to clip the wire.
Q. What if the wire comes out of the tube?
Try to put the wire back into the tube by using tweezers. If you are unable to put it back, call for an appointment.
Q. What should I do if I notice a loose bracket or band?
A. If the bracket or band is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If it comes out completely, bring it with you to your next appointment. Please call our office so that we may schedule a time for repair. Do NOT attach elastics or headgear to a loose bracket or band.
Q. What if when I bite down the edges of my teeth hit my brackets?
Call our office if you notice this.
Q. What foods should I avoid?
A. Avoid foods that are HARD, CRUNCHY, CHEWY or STICKY. These textures can break or distort your brackets and wires, and they are also difficult to clean off your teeth.
Click here for a list of common foods to avoid.
If you have a Forsus/Fred (a special spring appliance on your braces)…
Q. What if the spring slides out of the tube?
A. This appliance should move comfortably with normal eating and speaking. However, opening the mouth very widely may cause dislodging of the appliance. Just relax , and calmly slide the tube back in the spring.
Q. What if I find myself biting on the appliance?
A. This appliance is designed to stay away from the biting surface of your teeth. If, for some reason, it moves to between your teeth, do not bite on it. Call our office if you notice this.
If you have Invisalign…
Q. Can I eat while wearing my aligners?
We recommend that you avoid eating and drinking with your aligners on so that they will remain looking fresh.
Q. What can I do if the edge of my aligner is rubbing my gums?
Use an emery board to gently smooth out the rough edge.
If you have retainers…
Q. Should I bring my retainer to my appointment, even if they fit well?
A. Yes. Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
Q. What if I lose my retainers or they do not fit well?
A. Call our office for an appointment.
Q. How long after I get my braces off should I wear my retainers?
As long as you want to keep your teeth straight! You should continue wearing your retainer to maintain their position.
These FAQs are provided solely as helpful tips for our patients and are not intended to replace specific instructions given by Dr. Tisseront.
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