1. A lot of our patients will be in rubber bands at some time in their treatment. The best way is to get through is to wear your bands as recommended by your Orthodontist. What these rubber bands are doing is moving your jaw into the correct position. If you don’t wear your bands as recommended your jaw will not move. This will increase your treatment time. Just like your dentist knows if you have been flossing,Your orthodontist knows if you have been wearing your rubber bands.
2. A broken bracket or wire pretty much happens to everyone at one point or another. It is important that you call your Orthodontist to schedule an appointment to get this taken care of as soon as possible. A broken wire or bracket will slow down your treatment.
3. If you are experiencing discomfort from your braces, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the best medicine. All the other common medications (ie. Advil, aspirin, etc.) SLOW DOWN TOOTH MOVEMENT.
4. Stay away from foods that can damage your braces. If you need a list of these foods please call our office at 832-663-9191 or we could also email you the list. We recommend you staying away from these foods because they could damage or loosen your braces.
5. Please do not chew on ice cubes. Not is only is it really bad for your braces, but it is also a really bad idea for the general health of your teeth.
6. Take care of your teeth. We recommend you seeing your family dentist at least every 6 months (sometimes every 3 or 4 months) for cleanings and cavity checks during the entire orthodontic treatment.
7. Keep your scheduled appointments with your Orthodontist. If you miss appointments then you are increasing the time that you will be in braces.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call our Woodlands Office. We are open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every week.