Recommendations

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PATIENTS UNDERGOING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

Starting on the first days following the installation of orthodontic appliances, it is normal to suffer from a few drawbacks and to have sensitive teeth. They can be sensitive for a few days and can indispose you enough to take TYLENOL or ADVIL caplets to soothe the pain.

DIET

For the first days, we recommend that you eat foods that are easier to chew (ground beef, spaghetti, etc.) due to your sensitive teeth. Afterwards, you will be able to eat normally. We suggest that you be careful with raw vegetables. Carrots and celery have to be cut into small strips. Biting into an apple must be avoided, but you can cut it into quarters to eat it.

IMPORTANT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE DURATION OF THE TREATMENT

WE STRICTLY PROHIBIT:

1- Chewing gum of all kinds.
2- Hard candy, peanuts, nuts, almonds, popcorn.
3- Sticky candy: St. Catherine’s Day taffy or Halloween candy.

All of this will prevent breakings or damages to appliances that would extend the duration of the treatment and could comprise its results.

N.B. EVERY DEBONDED BRACKET OR LOOSE BAND WILL HAVE TO BE REPORTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE…

BRUSHING OF TEETH

You must brush your teeth with even more care and thoroughness than normal. At least 3 to 4 minutes are necessary for a good brushing. You must brush your teeth after each meal and before going to bed (4 times/day). The cleaning between teeth with floss must be done everyday.

Floss threaders are available and we will provide them to you free of charge throughout the whole orthodontic treatment.

Interdental brushes are very useful to remove bacterial plaque and chunks of food stuck under the archwire between 2 brackets.

Please note that an optimal oral hygiene is required throughout the whole duration of your orthodontic treatment. For this purpose, we recommend that you brush your teeth after each meal and before going to bed, that means 4 times per day. Floss must be used once per day. During the adjustments of archwires, we might have to do a dental cleaning (prophylaxis). This type of cleaning must not be interpreted as a deep cleaning like the one you usually get at your dentist’s office. It is then essential to continue your regular visits to your dentist for your examinations (for example: detecting cavities) and dental cleanings (tartar removal). We recommend getting cleanings every 6 months for the majority of our patients during their treatment, we could suggest to some adults to get a cleaning every 3 or 4 months depending on their periodontal condition.

IRRITATION

If your appliances cause you irritation (mostly at the beginning of treatment), it’s relatively normal. Your lips and your cheeks are not yet used to the presence of the appliances. Use orthodontic wax that you will apply on one or more brackets causing irritation. This wax is provided to you at the beginning of treatment. You can also find it at the drugstore. If irritation persists, it is best to make an appointment to verify the appliance.

WEARING THE APPLIANCES

It is probable that you will have to wear elastics or a removable appliance during the treatment. It is very important to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations about the daily duration of use. Elastics are usually worn 24 h per day and changed 3 to 4 times per day after meals. A removable appliance must be worn 22 hours per day. All appliances work… when they are worn as requested.