Braces remain one of the most reliable and versatile ways to straighten teeth and improve the bite. Today’s braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than many patients expect, and they can treat a wide range of simple and complex orthodontic concerns.
At Central Park Orthodontics, Dr. Schneider designs each braces plan around the patient’s needs. Choose traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces when clinically appropriate.
Brackets are attached to the teeth and connected by an archwire. Gentle, carefully controlled pressure guides the teeth into new positions over time. Periodic visits allow our team to monitor progress and make planned adjustments.
Living with braces is an adjustment and we want to make the journey as smooth as possible, keep reading for important information about braces and everyday life, be it eating, tenderness, sports or dental hygiene.
Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.
When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for 3 – 5 days. Take Tylenol or whatever you normally take for headache or discomfort. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the braces. We will supply wax to put on the braces in irritated areas to lessen discomfort.
This is to be expected throughout treatment. Don’t worry! It’s normal. Teeth must loosen first so they can move. The teeth will firm up in their new — corrected — positions after treatment is completed.
Don’t be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire sticks out and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire back under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check and repair the problem.
To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands or other appliances as prescribed. Lack of cooperation following instructions and damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time… so please … follow instructions.
If you play sports, it’s important you let us know. A protective mouthguard is provided for playing contact sports.
