Braces FAQ

Separators (Spacers)

What are Separators or Spacers?

Also called spacers or seps. Separators are small blue rubber bands. They are placed to create spaces between your teeth in order to fit orthodontic bands. Separators or "Seps" may make your teeth sore for a couple of days. Tylenol will help with the discomfort.

Can I still eat regular foods?

No. Avoid sticky and chewy foods (such as gum, caramel, taffy, etc.) because they will pull seps out.

How will brushing be different?

Be sure to brush around seps. Do not play with or floss around the seps or you will pull them out.

What should I do if the Separators come out?

We give each patient a separator kit, which consists of two pieces of floss and blue rubber bands.

How does the Sep Kit work?

Take the two pieces of floss and thread it through each side of the rubber band, then pull the floss outward to where the blue rubber band is being pulled from each end. Next, all you have to do is floss the blue rubber band between your teeth.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Why are elastics needed?

Elastics or inter-arch rubber bands are utilized to correct the improper fit of the upper and lower teeth rather than "straightening" the teeth.

How often should the elastics be worn?

24 hours per day for the correction to occur in a timely manner. Even leaving the elastics out for a short period of time (such as mealtime) may cause a setback of 8–10 hours in the biomechanical movement of the teeth. The elastics should be replaced at least once a day.

What if I run out of elastics?

Please drop by the office to pick up a package or call the office and we will mail them to you.

What if I don't know how to wear the elastics?

If there is any confusion, please call the office.

Bite Plane

Why do I need a bite plane?

The bite plane may protect your upper teeth so that they are not biting on the lower braces. It also aids in the correction of the vertical discrepancy of your malocclusion.

How often should the bite plane be worn?

Bite Planes are to be worn 24 hours/day (during eating and sleeping). It should be taken out only when brushing your teeth and cleaning the appliance.

Will the bite plane affect my speech?

It may affect your speech temporarily. Reading aloud will help solve any speech problems.

Any advice on eating with my bite plane?

It will be very difficult to eat any food which requires extensive chewing such as steak or pork chops. Chicken, fish, and pasta will be much easier to eat. Please cut up your food into small pieces. Eating a large sandwich requires tearing off pieces and putting them in your mouth rather than biting into it directly.

Is it possible to break my bite plane?

Yes! DO NOT PLAY with your bite plane. Simply leave it in place or you may end up with a loose or broken bite plane (replacement fee applies).

How do I clean my bite plane?

Brush your bite plane at least once a day with toothpaste to keep it bacteria-free. Diluted white vinegar may also be used.

Retainers

Why do I need a retainer?

To maintain your beautiful smile. Teeth may continue to move since they are supported by living tissue. The retention phase is just as important as the active phase of treatment.

How often should retainers be worn?

Normally, 24 Hours/Day for the first 3 months, 14 Hours/Day for the following 3 months, and then 8 Hours/Day.

Do I really have to wear my retainer all the time?

You may take your retainer out of your mouth when eating meals but may need to leave it in place when eating snacks.

Will the retainer affect my speech?

It may affect your speech temporarily. Reading aloud will help solve any speech problems.

Is it easy to lose or break my retainer?

Yes. DO NOT place your retainer in a napkin or lunch tray. Place it in your retainer case when not in use to avoid damage by pets or loss. Do not play with your retainer.

How do I clean my retainer?

Brush your retainer at least once a day with toothpaste (without whitener). Acrylic retainers may be cleaned with Efferdent tablets or diluted white vinegar.

What do I need to know about the permanent retainer?

If you have a bonded retainer, be sure to floss under the wire using floss threaders or super floss.

Splint (CRS) or Nightguard

What is a muscle relaxation splint (CRS)?

An acrylic appliance fitted on the upper or lower teeth to compensate for bite discrepancies, relax facial muscles, and reduce TMJ stress.

What is a Nightguard?

An appliance similar to a splint, worn at night for patients who grind their teeth (bruxism) or experience severe tooth wear.

How often should it be worn and cleaned?

Splints are commonly worn full-time for 3 months (taken out during meals). Clean daily with non-whitening toothpaste. Store in its case to avoid expensive replacement costs.

General Braces Care & Preparation

How can my child manage discomfort?

Soreness may last up to a week. Manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your doctor, soft foods (soup, mashed potatoes, pasta), and by avoiding gum and hard foods.

What can I expect on the first visit?

The first visit is for consultation: X-rays, teeth/gum inspection, questions about chewing/biting, and potentially creating a mouth mold using a gel-filled tray.

What foods can I eat with braces?

Stick to soft foods right after getting braces or adjustments. Avoid sticky/hard foods (gum, nuts, jerky) and foods that get stuck easily (popcorn, corn on the cob).

What should oral hygiene look like?

Brush more frequently and floss at least once a day using special threading floss. Use antibacterial toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent tartar and gingivitis.