Patients | Oral Hygiene | Retainers
Separators (Spacers)
Separators are small plastic rings that are placed between your back teeth to create sufficient space prior to fitting your braces. Your teeth may be sore for one to three days after the placement of separators. You may take whatever medication you would normally take for a headache for relief.
Make sure you avoid sticky or chewy foods that may dislodge your separators. Do not floss where the separators are located.
Call the office immediately if the separator comes out so that we may replace it.
Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE)
The RPE is used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow. We will show you how to turn the expansion screw. Usually we ask to make one turn every day, unless instructed otherwise. When sufficient expansion has been obtained, the expander will remain in the mouth for three to four months.
A space may develop between your upper two front teeth during widening. This is normal and will usually go away after you stop turning the appliance.
Make sure you brush your teeth and gums well. Clean your RPE with your toothbrush to avoid inflammation or infection of the gum tissues or the roof of your mouth. There may be some minor discomfort to the teeth, upper jaw, or bridge of nose during the active widening phase. You may take whatever medication you would normally take for a headache for relief about 30 minutes before turning the screw.
Headgear
A headgear is an appliance used to push the upper teeth/jaw bone back or to pull the upper teeth/upper jaw forward. Generally, you will be asked to wear your headgear while at home and sleeping, approximately 12 hours per day (continuous wearing is better). You DO NOT need to wear the headgear to school or outside your home. Do not wear the headgear during active sports because it could cause injuries. Keep the headgear in the provided case when not wearing it. If one of the metal bands on the back teeth becomes loose or broken, stop wearing your headgear immediately and call our office. If the headgear gets bent and does not fit correctly between visits, please call us for an earlier appointment to have it adjusted.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
The purpose of the rubber bands is to move the upper and lower teeth so that they fit together better.
Rubber bands are generally worn 24 hours per day (except for eating and brushing), including while you are sleeping, unless otherwise instructed. If you are requested to wear the elastics 24 hours per day, replace them with new ones three to four times per day. If you run out of elastics, please call our office to get more.
Common Orthodontic Emergencies
Irritation of cheeks or gums - When you first get braces, the cheeks and gums have to get used to them. Rinsing with warm saltwater can help reduce the irritation. You may also obtain topical over-the-counter medications to place on the irritated area. Orthodontic wax can also help (see below).
Poking wire or appliance - Push the wire down with the back of a spoon or an eraser on the end of a pencil. If irritation continues, place orthodontic wax over the brace and wire. If the wire is still poking, use a nail clipper or a wire cutter to cut the wire off.
Loose band or bracket - You usually do not need to be seen immediately. Call our office so we can determine the best time to repair your bracket or band. If a brace is loose or broken and still attached to the wire, wax can help hold it in place temporarily. If the bracket or band falls off completely, please save it and bring it to your next appointment.
Lost spacers (separators) are not considered an emergency. However, please call our office to determine if they need to be replaced before your next appointment.
Lost or broken retainer should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent any movement of your teeth. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Tooth soreness - Typically, after placement of spacers, braces, appliances, or after adjustments, your teeth will be sore for three to five days. You may take a pain-reliever that you normally take for a headache.
Headgear doesn't fit or broken - If your headgear no longer fits or it is broken, it's OK to stop wearing it temporarily. You will need to schedule an appointment to adjust it at the earliest convenience.
