We will give you specific instructions on how to wear each appliance that is prescribed to you. If you have any questions, always feel free to call us. For reference, we have included instructions for wearing each orthodontic appliance.
Spacers
Spacers are the first step in your orthodontic treatment. They are small elastics that fit snugly between certain teeth to move them slightly apart so the bands can be placed around the teeth. You might experience some discomfort within the first few days while the spaces are moving your teeth. Do not worry; this is normal.
Spacers can fall out on their own if enough space has already been created. To determine if the spacer needs to be replaced, slip some dental floss between the teeth; if it gets stuck, that means the spacer hasn’t created enough room and needs to be replaced prior to your banding appointment.
Avoid these things in order to keep your spacers in place:
- Chewy or sticky foods that can accidentally pull the spacers out
- Flossing between the teeth that have spacers
- Brushing with a lot of force around the teeth that have spacers – be gentle
Rapid Palatal Expander
The Rapid Palatal Expander is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch. Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, this orthodontic device is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw.
You must activate the expander by turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, once every day for 27 days. This will create gradual outward pressure on the left and right halves of the upper jaw, causing an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width. The best time to turn the key is right when you wake up or right before bed, so you have time to adjust to the added pressure.
Your expander may cause:
- A space between your upper front teeth, which will be closed with braces later
- Difficulty with speaking or swallowing, which will subside once you are used to the expander
- Sore spots on your tongue and cheeks, which you can alleviate with the use of wax
When wearing a palatal expander, be sure to:
- Frequently brush and floss your teeth and the appliance.
- Avoid chewy, sticky or hard foods such as gum, candy, carrots, popcorn, etc.
- Gently activate the expander every day and remove the key.
- Push the expander back up if it loosens on one side. Then call our office for an appointment.
- If it loosens on both sides, take it out and bring it to your next appointment.
Headgear
Headgear is often used to correct an excessive overbite. This is done by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw, which would hold the teeth in position or help move them into better positions.
The severity of the problem determines the length of time headgear needs to be worn. It is also important to get the headgear while the patient’s jaw are still growing, usually before the ages of 12 or 13.
The key to success with your headgear appliance is consistency. Headgear must be worn a certain number of hours per day, usually 14. Most of these hours can be completed while sleeping. We suggest wearing your headgear:
- First day – 2 hours after school
- Second day – 4 hours after school
- Next five days – overnight
- Rest of treatment time – 14 hours a day: 4 hours after school, about 10 hours while sleeping
If you do not comply with the time requirement, it must be made up the following day or over the weekend. If not, you could inhibit your orthodontic treatment.
Remember:
- Bring your headgear to every appointment so we can make adjustments. Please do not bend or adjust your headgear yourself.
- Your teeth will be sore for the first few days of wearing your headgear. This is normal, so do not be alarmed.
- Headgear should never be worn while playing sports.
- Remove your headgear while eating or brushing your teeth.
Elastics
Elastics are a vital part of treatment and are also contingent upon patient compliance. They add extra pressure to the braces to help move the teeth. Generally worn at all times (excluding eating and brushing your teeth), elastics should be changed at least once a day. They come in various sizes as they are each used for a specific purpose. We will provide you with the appropriate size.
You should always carry extra elastics with you in the event one breaks. If you run out, please call us immediately, and we will supply you with more.
It is important to wear them consistently or treatment setbacks may occur. If only one day is missed, it could cause your teeth to shift back to their original position!
Retainers
When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers. Because your teeth are loose, without wearing your retainer, they could move back into their original incorrect positions, so follow through with the hard work you’ve put in so far.
Your fees have included one set of retainers: one upper retainer and one lower retainer. You will have follow-up appointments for two years so we can check to make sure your teeth are still in the right positions.
Be sure to follow these guidelines:
- First six months – wear your retainers for 14 hours a day.
- After six months – wear your retainers only at night, indefinitely.
- Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.
- To avoid losing your retainers, please put them back in the case. Do not wrap them in a napkin; this is a very common way that retainers get thrown away!
- If you lose your retainer, please call our office as soon as possible to get a replacement. Your teeth can move, and if you wait too long, a retainer will not move them back into their correct positions.