Brushing Habits
Due to complex structure of appliances, food particles entrap themselves in the appliance. The leftover food forms a thick plaque on the teeth and gums.
Plaque leads to bad breath, tooth decay and gum diseases. Bleeding and swollen gums are a sign of unhygienic oral cavity.
Inflamed and swollen gums act as a hurdle and prolongs the treatment by a significant duration.
Brushing Technique
Three surfaces of the teeth have to be cleaned using the Regular Brush:
1. Surface facing the lips or cheeks. (Labial or buccal )
2. Surface facing the palate or tongue. (Palatal / lingual )
3. Chewing surface. (Occlusal)
For the first and the second surface, following method has to be used
The bristles are pointed 45 degrees to the long axis of the tooth towards the root and placed on the gums and then stroke to roll the brush occlusally to clean the space between two teeth and tooth surface in one stroke while massaging the gums.
For the third surface
Apply short back and forth strokes on the chewing surface of the teeth.
For each surface, apply such 8-10 strokes, with gentle pressure, for each position and move to the next teeth.
Similarly, three surfaces of the wires and braces have to be cleaned using the Orthodontic Brush:
Apply back and forth strokes on the braces and wires. Now, change the direction of brush to 45 degrees oblique upwards in the same segment. Similarly, 45 degrees oblique downwards about 8-10 strokes in each direction.
Application of toothpaste is not necessary each time you brush; applying it twice a day is enough. If you apply it on the regular brush, there is no need to apply it on orthodontic brush.
TO MAINTAIN 100% ORAL HYGIENE, BRUSH AFTER EVERY MEAL, USING BOTH THE BRUSHES, IMMEDIATELY
Proper brushing would not take more than 3 minutes.
Regardless of how well we clean and prepare your teeth before the commencement of the treatment, you need to maintain the oral hygiene up to the standard. We can achieve the desired results only with your co-operation in maintaining proper hygiene. Brush well, have good oral hygiene.
Although you can eat or drink many food items during the orthodontic treatment, certain eating habits are known to cause breakage of braces that can increase the risk of other dental problems and delay treatment. The following is a list of some food you should avoid or take in the form as directed. These guidlines must be strictly followed. You should use your own good judgment while eating anything. No matter what you eat, remember to brush your teeth and gums after meal or drinking.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies and their solutions are listed below. Only some of them might require immediate attention by the Orthodontist, most can easily be addressed at a follow up appointment.
Food Caught Between Teeth
This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable for the braces-wearing patient. Use an interproximal brush or tooth pick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.
Ligatures Come Off
Tiny rubber bands or small, fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers.
If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the Orthodontist. If a rubber or wire ligatures are lost, notify the Orthodontist, who will then advise when the patient should be seen.
Mouth Sores
Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces.
One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for the patient. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of medicated gel (topical anesthetic gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab.
Irritation of Lips or Cheeks
Sometimes initially new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch of a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient can then eat more comfortably. If the wax is accidently ingested, it is not a problem. The wax is harmless.
Protruding Wire
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. The patient parent/guardian will need to make the Orthodontist aware of this problem.
Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands
If the braces have come loose in any way, the parent/guardian needs to call the Orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps.
Brackets are the parts of the braces attached to the teeth with a special adhesive. They are generally positioned in the center of each tooth. The bracket can be knocked off if the patient has eaten one of those hard/tough/ crunchy foods orthodontic patients are instructed to avoid, or if the mouth is struck while at play.
If the bracket is off center, the adhesive may have failed. Call the Orthodontist, who will determine the course of action.
Discomfort With Braces
It is normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. The parent should reassure the patient that the discomfort is both normal and temporary and encourage them to take the prescribed medicines and only soft foods.
WHAT CAUSES CROWDING AND IRREGULARITIES IN TEETH ?
In most cases, it is inherited genetically. Crowding, spacing, protrusion of teeth and jaw, extra or missing teeth, abnormal jaw growth and facial deformities may be genetic. Other causes acquired from environment are due to abuse of oral cavity with thumb or finger or things like pens.
Mouth breathing, dental diseases, abnormal swallowing, tongue thrusting, poor oral hygiene, immature loss of milky teeth, loss of permanent teeth due to trauma, and poor nutrition — also play a major role in causing irregularities in teeth and jaws.
WHY SHOULD I GET MY TEETH ALIGNED ?
Generally, people take the treatment for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes. The other reasons are usually overlooked by the patients. Proper alignment of teeth and jaws are not required just for a pretty face. Healthy teeth and gums can be achieved as better cleaning can be performed. Speech impairments, chewing difficulties, breathing problems, related to adenoids problems are also resolved.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT CORRECTING MY IRREGULAR TEETH ?
Crooked and crowded teeth cannot be cleaned up to the standards. Down the years, it causes gums diseases, and teeth disorders like caries (tooth decay) and tooth loss.
A bad bite also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and difficulty in chewing and/or speaking. Excessive stress on the supporting bones and gum tissues are potential temporo-mandibular joint (jaw joint) problems.
Protruding jaw or teeth causes lack of confidence and self esteem.
Many times if problems are untreated, they worsen with time and may require extensive dental care.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE TO START AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT ?
For issues like spacing, crowding, and occlusion (bite), earlier consultation can be proven beneficial.
In case of abnormal growth of upper or lower jaw, the growth can be controlled by myofunctional therapy if treated at or around pubertal age.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE TREATMENT IN ADULT PATIENTS ? OR CAN ADULTS TAKE THE TREATMENT ?
Everyone, regardless age, has the luxury of getting a better smile. The treatment may take longer than it takes in adolescents. Patient’s co-operation plays a greater role for a successful treatment of an adult.
IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL ?
No, the treatment is not painful. Mild to moderate pain may be caused in initial stage which, however, can be combatted by medicines.
DO I HAVE AN OPTION FOR FIXED APPLIANCE ? OR CAN I GET REMOVABLE APPLIANCE (BRACES) ?
It depends on the anomalies present in your oral cavity or jaws. If there is a little crowding or few irregularities, removable appliances may be effective. In major or multiple irregularities, fixed appliances have to be used.
In some cases, both (fixed and removable) appliances may be given.
DO I HAVE OPTIONS IN FIXED APPLIANCES ?
Usually, metallic brackets are used. For aesthetic purposes, ceramic and plastic brackets may also be used. When compared to metallic brackets, these have much less visibility.
Self-ligating, lingual, and Invisalign (invisible braces) are some other high-end options available.
DO I NEED TO WEAR THE REMOVABLE APPLIANCE 24 HOURS ?
The appliance has to be worn constantly to avoid relapse of the corrections.
HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE TO GET DESIRED RESULTS ?
The time required varies from case to case. It depends on complexity of the case, health and hygiene maintenance, and cooperation of the patient.
Orthodontic treatments usually take 18-24 months. Though, some may take more or less time.
Through the treatment, every 4-6 weeks, followups are conducted.
DO I HAVE TO GET MY TEETH EXTRACTED ?
Tooth extraction may or may not be required. This can be answered after clinical examination and detailed assessment of study model, radiographs, and photographs.
WOULD THE TREATMENT CAUSE TOOTH DECAY OR GUM BLEEDING ?
We reiterate about maintaining oral hygiene as food particles entrap themselves in the appliance set up. If the dental hygiene isn’t maintained up to the standard, odds of getting dental caries (decay) and/or gum bleeding increase.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE TO VISIT THE DENTIST DURING THE COURSE OF THE TREATMENT ?
You’ll be appointed every 4-6 weeks. In these visits, the dentist will check the progress and make the required fine adjustments.
WHAT ARE THE SUBSTITUTES FOR AN ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT ?
One can undergo a surgery and may get the same results. If required, your dentist will guide you.
HOW GOOD ARE THE CHANCES OF RELAPSING ?
OR
HOW LONG WILL MY TEETH STAY IN THE ALIGNMENT ACQUIRED BY THE TREATMENT ?
Once the brace are taken off, the teeth and associated bones start regaining its original position.To combat this movement, patients are given with retainers. Retainers are custom made invisible and removable appliances. They are to be worn for 12 months once the braces are taken off. Retainers are generally temporary.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TREATMENT COST ?
The actual cost of the treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Your orthodontist will be glad to discuss fees with you before the treatment begins. Convenient financing with initial down payment and monthly installments can usually be arranged.
