When you undergo orthodontic treatment, there are certain things you should be aware of so that you or your child can get as much out of your experience as possible. As you may have already gathered, there are some food restrictions, soreness, and emergency situations that may occur during your treatment, so it’s important for you to be aware of the potentials so that we can better solve whatever issues may arise together.
Loosening Of Your Teeth
Before your teeth can be moved into their proper positions, they will loosen slightly from the pressure that the braces apply to them. This is normal! In order to be moved without a problem, your teeth have to be loosened first. It’s just part of the process, and your teeth will become rigidly fixed again once they’re in the right position.
Loose Wire Or Band
If you find that a wire or band has loosened and is irritating you, don’t be alarmed. This happens on occasion, and the best way to deal with it immediately is to push the loose wire under the archwire to prevent irritation or cover it with orthodontic wax. Once you do this, give us a call as soon as possible to come in and allow us to fix the problem. If you feel that it’s an emergency, don’t worry; we don’t charge extra for emergency care appointments.
Caring For Your Hardware
Depending on what type of treatment you’re getting, you may have different types of hardware that you and your orthodontist work with. However, no matter what the hardware may be, it’s important for you to wear it as prescribed. If your hardware is damaged in any way, please let us know as soon as possible as damaged hardware can increase the duration of your treatment.
Sports And Your Braces
One aspect of being athletic or involved in sports is that accidents and injuries do happen. If you have braces, an additional element of concern is introduced, which is why we highly recommend wearing a mouth guard to play contact sports when you have braces. In case of any accident involving your mouth or face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If your teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, call us as soon as possible for an appointment. In the meantime, treat your discomfort as you would treat any general soreness.
If you or your child are ready to find out whether you need orthodontic treatment or not, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 914.221.0470 or request your New Patient Evaluation online. If you have additional questions, concerns, or comments, you may want to call us or fill out our online contact form. No matter where you are on your orthodontic journey, we’re here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. If you’re ready to get started, great! We look forward to meeting you and guiding you on your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
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