What to Expect When Braces are Placed
Getting braces placed typically does not cause any pain. There are no needles or need to be numbed and the actual procedure of having braces placed will not hurt. There may be some uncomfortable pressure after the brackets and wires are placed as your teeth initially start to move.
We used a precise method to place braces called Indirect Bonding for full orthodontic treatment. This technique allows Dr Hamilton to precisely place the brackets on your diagnostic models and then a special tray is fabricated to transfer the brackets to your teeth. These trays are custom fit for you only. Indirect Bonding has great benefits, improves comfort, reduces the amount of time in the dental chair, precise placement of brackets and will reduce treatment time with proper care. After brackets are placed the wires will be inserted. The brackets we use are self-ligating which involves a small “door” that holds the wire into place. In order to place wires into the brackets, these “doors” need to be opened. You will feel a small amount of pressure as the door is opened. Your wires will then be placed into the bracket and the door will be closed to hold the wire into the bracket. You will then have the opportunity to choose a color that will go around the bracket. Typically we only put the color ties on the top front 6 teeth.
Life with braces
Eating with braces for the first few days may be a little tricky. You may want to stick with softer foods (soups, mash potatoes, Mac n cheese, smoothies, etc.) until you feel more comfortable with chewing. Here is a list of foods you should avoid and ways to eat foods while in treatment:
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
- Sticky foods: caramels, gum, starburst, skittles, taffy
- Hard foods: nuts, candy
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
- Pull meat off of bones: ribs, chicken wings
Additionally you should avoid chewing on hard things like pens, pencils or fingernails as they can damage your braces. If braces are damaged it can cause treatment to be longer than the ideal recommended time frame.
What to Expect with an Expander
Your palatal expander may take a few days to get used to, and sometimes about a week after the device is cemented into place you may feel a little itching in the roof of your mouth or nose. Don’t worry! This is normal as the fibers stretch and expand. This device is cemented in place and the screw must be turned one time each day, You may see a space between your two front teeth, After you have completed all of the turns, the space will start closing back together, but the jaw structure will stay expanded. After the palate has been widened enough, it is necessary to hold it so new bone will form. The palatal spreading device will remain in place for three months after the turns are completed. After the expander is removed you will wear a removable retainer.
Caring for your Expander
Brushing will be slightly different once your expander is in place. Please brush your teeth regularly but be sure to include all areas around the expander. By brushing the gum tissue around the expander, the tissue will remain healthy and you will experience less discomfort. Dr Hamilton also recommends using your favorite fluoride mouthwash two times a day. Remember to avoid popcorn, anything sticky, chewy or hard to take proper care of your expander.
What to expect when wearing a Retainer
Retainers are an important part of your treatment. After your braces are removed Dr. Hamilton will instruct you on the proper protocol for your retainer wear. It is important to note that after your orthodontic treatment is complete… Retainer wear is for Life!
Wear and Care Instructions for your Retainer
- Take your retainers out when eating and always put your retainers in their case. Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants. Pets also love to chew on retainers, placing your retainers in your case will keep them safe.
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day. Remember to rinse them every time you remove them from your mouth. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Retainer Brite or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
- When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- If your retainer stops fitting, please call us. Do not wait until your next scheduled appointment.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Retainer replacement is expensive; with proper care they will last for years!
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine and napkins.
- It is very important to wear your retainers as prescribed by Dr. Hamilton.