Separators
Step 1
Get two pieces of floss and the separator.
Step 2
Thread the two pieces of floss through the separator and
then wrap the floss strings around your first fingers.
Step 3
Pull fingers away from each other so the separator is now
almost flat and tension is created.
Step 4
Just like you would floss between your teeth, gently work
the separator between your teeth. After you have pushed
the separator between the teeth; pull the floss out, making
sure that you can see half of the separator above the point
of contact between the teeth. Sometimes it is necessary to
hold your fingers over the separator when you pull the floss
out.
Full Braces
Braces are the mechanism any orthodontist will use to
“get a handle on the teeth”. In other words, they merely
provide an attachment with which we can grab and move
the teeth. Traditionally, “Full Braces” Involve bands that are
placed on the molar teeth (which wrap entirely around the
tooth) and “Brackets” that are glued to all teeth In front of
the bands.
Elastics
Elastics move the teeth in a direction, which cannot be accomplished with braces alone.
Your teeth and jaws may be tender the first few days of wearing the elastics. This is normal and should begin to disappear within a week, if it persists longer, please call our office. Rinsing with hot salt water will help take away the tenderness.
It may seem hard for you to put on the elastics at first, however it will become easier with practice.
Elastic wear must be constant to be effective – 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.
You may remove the elastic only when eating your meals or brushing your teeth. Leave them in during snacking. Be sure to replace the elastics with new ones immediately following mealtime and brushing. Part-time wear does NOT move teeth, but it does cause them to constantly be sore.
Change the elastics routinely even if they are not broken. After a while, elastic lose their strength. Change them at least after each meal and before bedtime. If one elastic breaks, replace both sides.
Carry extra elastics with you at all times. If you don’t have enough elastics to last until your next appointment, please stop by our office to pick up more or call us and we can send some to you. We don’t want you to run out!
Elastic wear is an important key to the speed of your treatment and the final results we can achieve. Please call us If you have any questions or concerns. Good luck with your elastics!
Quad Helix
The Quad Helix is our most versatile appliance It can be used to correct a cross bite, create space in the upper or lower arch, and even to partially correct a Class II bite (upper teeth forward of the lower teeth). A Quad Helix is rarely used in conjunction with any other orthodontic appliances as its effectiveness would be reduced. For this reason, patients who would benefit from a Quad Helix appliance will always receive it as the first appliance in their treatment.
The Quad Helix fits closely to the teeth and the roof of the mouth. It is held in plane by bands that are plated on the upper six-year molars.
Retention
Without exception, all patients in our practice go through the retention phase of treatment.
Retention begins when the braces are removed. If the teeth are not retained in their corrected position, they will begin to move over time.
Patients in the retention phase are seen periodically in our office during the first year after braces are removed. Please call the office if there is a problem with your retainers as there will not be regularly scheduled appointments.
Typically, a removable retainer is worn full time for the first six months. After that, it may be worn at night time as instructed by your Orthodontist. A bonded retainer should be worn permanently.
At the end of the first year in retention, patients have concluded their treatment in our office. It is their responsibility to wear a retainer as prescribed indefinitely. Please don’t hesitate to call our office if there are any concerns.
For lasting success following orthodontic treatment:
- Wear your retainer as prescribed
- Don’t let it get bent or otherwise damaged
- Call for a repair appointment if it is damaged or loosened
- Keep it clean, floss regularly
- Keep it in its case when not being worn
- Be committed to maintaining your beautiful smile
CBJ
A Cemented Bite Jumper (CBJ) is an orthodontic appliance used to correct the upper and lower jaw position. This appliance is worn approximately 12 months.
T-REX
A Trans-Palatial Expander (T-Rex) is used to expand the maxillary arch as well as push back the six-year molars in order to align the bite.