All orthodontic patients should have their teeth cleaned and checked by their general dentist regularly. We suggest that every patient schedule their visits on a 3-6 month basis to help prevent gum problems and decalcification (white spots) on their teeth.
Retainer Instructions
The retention (retainer) phase of your treatment is just as important as the active phase of treatment.
- Retainers are to be worn 24 Hours/Day for the first month, except while eating. After one month of full time wear, retainers need to be worn while you sleep, every night.
- DO NOT place your retainer in a napkin (or on a lunch tray) as this is how many retainers are lost (there is a replacement fee for new retainers).
- When retainer is out of your mouth, place it in your retainer case so it is easy to find, and discourages damage by pets. Dogs love to chew up retainers and will destroy them if they find your retainer out.
- DO NOT PLAY with your retainer. Leave it in your mouth or you may end up breaking/damaging it.
- Brush your retainer with a mouth rinse or water. You can also use a sonic cleaner with tablets. Efferdent/Polident is also effective for cleaning retainers. It is important to make sure your retainer is kept clean.
- If you have a bonded retainer, be sure to floss under the wire. Floss threaders or super floss can help with this. Our staff can advise you on the easiest way to perform this procedure.
Retainers are designed to keep the teeth in place (retain the teeth). You’ve got a great smile, let’s make sure you keep it!
Bite Plane Instructions
- Bite Planes are to be worn 24 Hours/Day. This appliance should be worn while eating and sleeping. The bite plane is only to be taken out when brushing your teeth.
- DO NOT PLAY with your bite plane. Simply leave it in place or you may end up with a loose or broken bite plane (there is a replacement fee for lost or broken bite planes).
- Brush your bite plane at least twice a day with toothpaste. This will help to keep your appliance clean!
Following these instructions will help in finishing your treatment on schedule.
Broken Brackets
- Should a Bracket come off, please call to schedule an appointment to have it repaired.
- Hard, sticky, and chewy foods (such as gum, caramel, toffee, ice, nuts, lollypops, tortilla chips etc.) will cause brackets to come off.
- Excessive damage to your braces (such as broken brackets) will prolong treatment time– aka- you’ll have to wear your braces longer.
