Orthodontic Treatment – Do’s and Don’t’s Before Your Appointment

COOPERATION: We are all going the same way. Traveling together and helping each other makes the trip quicker, easier and more enjoyable. Daily cooperation in testing for loose bands (gently tugging each band to see if it moves on the tooth), wearing elastics and brushing cannot be overemphasized.

If cooperation is poor, we reserve the right to suspend treatment or to charge for additional treatment time required. Hopefully, this will not be needed.

APPOINTMENTS: Banding appointments of three-quarters of an hour or more must be scheduled during school time. Routine adjustments will be set up after school whenever possible. If unable to keep an appointment, please notify us well in advance so that we may reschedule the appointment.

APPLIANCES: If an orthodontic appliance or wire should become loose or broken, please notify us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to correct the problem. After five (5) incidents of loose or broken fixed appliances, (braces) a supplementary charge will be incurred for each dislodged appliance. Lost or broken removable appliances will incur supplementary repair or replacement fees.

Bring headgear, retainers and positioners to every appointment.

Avoid eating foods such as, nuts, hard candy, whole apples, popcorn, taffy, corn-on-the-cob, licorice, hard crusts, etc.

ELASTICS: (rubber bands) These are to be worn exactly as directed. Their action is greatest when eating. They may be removed when brushing the teeth. Replace the elastics with fresh ones once a day. If elastics are lost or if the supply runs low, contact our office for an additional supply.

HEADGEAR: This appliance is designed to be worn as much as possible. It must be worn a minimum of fourteen (14) hours a day while reading, watching television, doing homework, etc., and when sleeping. It may be removed for meals and sports.

ORAL HYGIENE: Teeth should be brushed after every meal and before bed. Elastics should be removed to aid in this process, and be replaced after rinsing with water. Use of disclosing tablets and water squirting machines is encouraged.

IF AT ANY TIME DURING TREATMENT YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WISH TO DISCUSS PROGRESS, FEEL FREE TO ASK. More on this website