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Q: What if the bands or brackets become loose?
Answer: The seal created by the cement has broken. Call your orthodontist's office and schedule an appointment. If the band or bracket detaches from the wire, save it and take it with you to your next appointment.
Q: What if the archwire or headgear is broken, or a hook or ligature is lost?
Answer: These problems could cause the teeth to shift in the wrong direction and must be corrected as soon as possible. Call your orthodontist's office and schedule an appointment.
Q: What if there is a wire sticking out and poking the mouth?
Answer: Try tucking it in with the 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?
Answer: 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?
Answer: Be sure to mention this to your orthodontist.
Q: What if my child or I play a musical instrument?
Answer: Notify your orthodontist if you play a wind instrument.
Q: Should I be taking any extra vitamins during treatment?
Answer: 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?
Answer:
1. BRACKET - The attachment bonded to the tooth or welded to the band
2. ARCHWIRE - A large removable wire that fits around the arch into the bracket slots
3. ELASTIC LIGATURE - Plastic ring that ties archwire into bracket or LIGATURE WIRE - Tiny wire that ties archwire into bracket
4. HOOKS - Used to attach elastics (rubber bands)
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