Confidential Patient Information

First Name:
Middle Initial:
Last Name:

HELPFUL HINTS


Now that you are the proud wearer of your new braces, there are a couple of hints that we would like to share with you to make your first few days more comfortable.
  • It normally takes about a week to get used to your braces. During that time, it may sometimes be a challenge to eat and speak. Keep a positive attitude, though, and your body will adapt to the new braces within a week.
  • You may also experience some irritations that develop along the inside of the cheeks or lips. Gradually these soft tissues will become toughened up or callused to the braces, so the irritations will go away. Until then, though, the wax that you have been given can be placed over the braces to help cushion the cheek and lip.

You may experience some soreness of the teeth for the first few days while the body gets used to the presence of the new braces.
  • Whatever you take for headaches (Advil or Tylenol) should adequately control the discomfort. The discomfort typically peaks on the second or third day, so you can expect the discomfort to subside very soon.
  • If you have difficulty falling asleep the first couple nights, a small dose of Nyquil (available over-the-counter, follow the directions on the box) can help you sleep.
  • If you experience some soreness around the gums, a mild topical anesthetic Ora-Jel (available at the drugstore) rubbed on the gums will help ease the discomfort.

Please follow all the instructions you were given regarding the care of your braces (e.g. foods not to eat, cleaning and brushing your braces, etc). It is vitally important that you immediately begin proper oral hygiene techniques to make sure the teeth and gums remain healthy. You may want to purchase an electric toothbrush if you feel you aren’t able to clean well enough with a manual one.

Most Common Problems with Braces
 There are seldom real “emergencies” with braces, but here are some suggestions for dealing with problems you may encounter during your treatment.
  1. A great source of information for handling common orthodontic emergencies is our website: www.mbsmiles.com
  2. If you are in discomfort, we want to hear from you ASAP. After hours, call the emergency number provided on the office answering machine. Otherwise, please notify us during regular office hours.
Problem
Solution
• Loose band/bracket
The cement seal has simply come loose.
Save the loose bracket.
Call the office to determine if a repair appointment is necessary.
• Broken wire or other brace part
Save any pieces and call the office as soon as possible.
These problems could cause teeth to move the wrong way or not at all.
• Wire poke
This is a term we use for any wire that sticks out and irritates the cheek or lip.
  1. Using a blunt toothpick or pencil eraser, try to press it back away from the cheek.
  2. Place wax over the offending area.
  3. If necessary, you may carefully clip the wire with a wire cutter or nail clipper, being careful not to break any brackets.

You and Your Braces … A Winning Team!
1. Oral Hygiene Instructions
  Brushing: manual, electric brush, travel brush, proxy brush
  Fluoride Rinse: ACT is a great option.
  Flossing: Floss threaders and a WaterPik are useful tools.
  Dentist: It is important in maintaining good dental health that you see your dentist at least every six months for teeth cleaning.
2. “No No Foods List” instruction form
  No hard sticky or chewy foods: i.e. candy, raw carrots, caramels etc.
  Decalcification: rinse and brush after each meal, snack or sugary drink
3. “Helpful Hints” instructions form
  Eat soft food for the next 3-5 days (soups, pasta, shakes, and pudding)
  If there is soreness, you may need Advil or Tylenol.
4. Discomfort Issues and Managing Your Braces
  Wax: apply for anything that is rough, poking or causing discomfort
  Wire poke: apply wax to tip of wire, if wire is still too long then call to schedule a ‘repair’
  Broken Wire: may cause discomfort; call the office to schedule ‘repair’
  Broken Brackets: may slide on the wire if the bracket is loose on a front tooth
  Broken Brackets: may slide off the wire if the bracket is loose on a back tooth, save
  the bracket and bring it with you for your ‘repair’ appointment
5. Breakage Policy
 After the second broken bracket incident, a fee will be charged for subsequent  breakages. The fees are as follows:
  □ If a bracket is loose or a wire is broken, the repair will cost $50.
  □ If a bracket is missing or broken, replacement will cost $80-$100 depending on the type of bracket.
6. Follow us on social media
 Become familiar with our practice, upcoming events, contests and much more!
7. Need us after hours?
 There is a clinician on call after hours, weekends and holidays for any true orthodontic emergencies. Simply call our main office number and follow the prompt to leave a detailed message. (336) 855-8900
Patient Signature:
Date:
Responsible Party/Parent:
Date: