Q: What if the bands or brackets become loose?
A: The seal created by the cement has broken.
Call your orthodontic
office and schedule an appointment. If the band or bracket
detaches
from the wire, save it and take it in with you to your next
appointment.
Q: What if the arch wire, headgear, ligature,
or hook is broken or lost?
A: These problems could cause the teeth to
shift in the wrong
direction and must be corrected as soon as possible. Call
your
orthodontic office to schedule an appointment.
Q: What if there is a wire sticking out and
poking in the mouth?
A: Try tucking it in with an eraser part
of a pencil. If that doesn?t
work, dry it with a napkin and place wax over the tip of the
wire to
prevent further irritation. Wax can also be applied to a bracket
or
hook that is causing discomfort.
Q: What if the mouth feels sore?
A: To relieve soreness, rinse your mouth
with warm salt water and/or
take Advil or Tylenol as directed.
Q: What if my child plays sports?
A: Be sure to mention this to your orthodontist.
The proper mouth
guard will be given to your child.
Q: What if my child plays a musical instrument?
A: Notify your orthodontist if you play a
wood instrument.
Q: Should I be taking any extra vitamins during
treatment?
A: It is very important that you get enough
vitamin C during treatment
as it helps restore and heal bone in addition to helping maintain
healthy gums. Check with your orthodontist for help in determining
which foods might provide enough vitamin C or how much Vitamin
C
supplement you should take.
Q: What are the names of the different parts
of the braces?
A:
| 1. |
Bracket
- The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded
to the band. |
| 2. |
Arch wire
- A large removable wire that fits around the arch into
the bracket slots |
| 3. |
Elastic Ligature
- Plastic ring that ties the arch wire into
the bracket.
|
| 4. |
Ligature Wire -
Tiny wire that ties arch wire into bracket. |
| 5. |
Hooks - Used
to attach elastics.(Rubber Bands). |
| 5. |
Band - A
ring of metal with the bracket attached that is glued
onto the tooth. |
|