PURPOSE

This appointment is required to separate the back teeth to create sufficient space to fit the bands. Tiny plastic rings or metal springs fit snugly between each tooth to help move the teeth slightly apart. They usually stay in place for 7-14 days before the bands are fitted.

DISCOMFORT

The back teeth are often uncomfortable for a few days. Chewing will help to alleviate soreness. Treat any discomfort as you would for a headache (two tablets of Advil or Ibuprofen).

LOSS OF

Usually the loss of one or two elastics is of no consequence. If you do lose a spacer, find out if it has done its job by slipping some dental floss between the two teeth. If the floss gets stuck, the spacer hasn't made enough space, and you'll need to get it replaced before your banding appointment. If many elastics are lost, please call our office for advice.

TIME

This appointment is scheduled for the placement of brackets and wires and separators, if necessary, and is scheduled for the patient's convenience.

PARENTS

Parents are welcome to stay in the waiting room or in the treatment area. We would like a parent to be present at the completion of the appointment to receive any special instructions.

BRACKETS

Brackets are cemented at this appointment.

ARCHWIRES

A light wire will be placed at this appointment to minimize pain and discomfort and allow the patient to adjust as comfortably as possible to his or her new appliances. Any additional bends caused due to lack of care in eating may allow the wrong teeth to move.

CLEANING

Always brush with a gentle, circular motion over gums and around every surface of the bracket.

TIME

The patient will be seen on a regular basis for adjustment of appliances. These are usually scheduled every 6-10 weeks on the average. The length of adjustment appointments varies from 15 minutes to 45 minutes with the average time being 20 minutes.

REPAIR

Please call us to notify our office of breakage, as more time may be required to fix the problem. Repair of broken appliances requires more time than a regular adjustment appointment.