Brush and water pik after every meal. When you are not able to water pik, make sure to still brush after every meal.
Do a six (6) minute timed brushing before bedtime. After you brush, use the water pik and then you floss. You will use a fluoride gel that you brush on your teeth last thing before you go to bed. * You will be given a prescription for the fluoride gel.
Continue to see your general dentist every six (6) months for a cleaning throughout the entire course of your treatment.
Always brush with a soft bristle toothbrush.
We monitor your brushing with a 3 WARNING SYSTEM. If you receive a third warning, then we WILL REMOVE YOUR BRACES. We will not put your braces back on until we feel that you can keep your teeth clean, and at that time, there
will be an additional charge of $1,250.00.
Emergencies
What to do in case of emergency
If your braces become loose or broken be sure to call our office and let us know. If we are not in the office please leave your name and number on the answering machine and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Loose brackets or bands
Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted as soon as possible. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you.
Wire irritations
Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.
Lost separators
Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.
Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment
During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.
Water Pik Instructions
Fill up reservoir (tank) completely with warm tap water,
Add mouthwash or fluoride rinse to water if desired.
Start water pik on the lowest setting the first time you use it. Then advance the setting one number each day until you work up to the "high" setting.
Place the pik in your mouth at a 90 degree angle to the teeth before you turn the water pik on. Point the tip of the pik at the braces and then at the gums.
Use water pik over the sink. Lean over the sink and let water run out of your mouth as you use the pik. (You will be able to see the food that flushes out from under the braces.) Be sure to run the pik around the entire mouth, especially way in the back of your mouth.
Remember the water pik is an "AID" to remove food from under the braces. It is NOT A SUBSTITUTE for proper brushing which removes plaque.
