Instructions

تعليمات التقويم

Orthodontic instruction

It is critical to maintain a meticulous oral hygiene routine, as food and plaque easily get trapped around the wires and brackets.

Brush after every meal with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. If you cannot brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water.
Use proper technique: Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline. Use small, circular motions and apply gentle pressure to clean every tooth, bracket, and wire.
Floss daily using a floss threader, interdental brush, or water flosser. This is the only way to remove plaque from between the teeth.
Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to further reduce bacteria and prevent cavities.

You will need to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods to prevent damaging your braces, which can prolong treatment.

Foods to avoid:

Sticky or chewy: Gum, caramel, toffee, and gummy candies.
Hard or crunchy: Nuts, popcorn, hard candy, and pretzels.
Requires biting into: Cut foods like apples and carrots into small pieces instead of biting them whole.
Non-food items: Do not chew on ice, pens, or fingernails.

Managing pain and discomfort

Minor pain is common, especially after getting your braces or having them adjusted.

Over-the-counter pain relief: A regular pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, can help manage tenderness. Always follow dosage instructions.
Saltwater rinse: A warm saltwater rinse can soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation.
Orthodontic wax: Apply a small, softened piece of orthodontic wax to any brackets or wires that are rubbing against your cheeks or lips to create a smooth barrier.

Handling common problems

If a component of your braces breaks or comes loose, contact your orthodontist, but a few temporary fixes can provide relief.

Poking wire: Try to gently push the wire back into place with a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil. Cover the end with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
Loose bracket: If a bracket comes loose but remains on the wire, place wax over it. If it comes completely off, save it and bring it to your next appointment.
What to do immediately: Always call your orthodontist to let them know about the issue and determine if an emergency visit is necessary.

Keeping up with your appointments is essential for a successful treatment.

Regular appointments: Visit your orthodontist for scheduled adjustments, and continue to see your general dentist for regular cleanings.

Clear Aligners: Patient Instructions

HOW AND WHEN TO WEAR

Aligners ONLY work when you are wearing them. We recommend you wear your aligners FULL TIME, day and night, at least 22 hours. The only time the aligners should be out of your mouth is when you are eating and drinking, brushing and flossing or cleaning them.
Wear each aligner for a MINIMUM of 4 weeks, or as directed by the doctor. It is very important that you never go to the next aligner in less than the directed time. Even though it may seem that the current aligner is loose and no longer moving your teeth, it may take longer for the roots to catch up with the crown of the tooth.
If you miss some days for any reason, pick up where you left off and wear the aligners for a full 14 day MINIMUM. Call the office to let us know.

INSERTION AND REMOVAL

Make sure you have the proper aligner. U for upper and L for lower in the proper number sequence.
When inserting, gently push the aligners over your front teeth. Then, apply pressure to the tops of the left and right molars until they snap into place. DO NOT bite your aligners into place.
Make sure each aligner is ALL THE WAY DOWN and fully seated. If the aligner is not fully in place, the teeth will not move properly and the next aligner will be even further off. This can waste many weeks of treatment and even cause starting over with possible extra fees
To remove the aligners, pull off equally on both sides of the back teeth first, and then gently lift off the front teeth. Always rinse the aligners in cold water and store in the proper container. To prevent damage, avoid unnecessary removal. DO NOT use sharp objects to remove your aligners.

STORING ALIGNERS

Always place the aligners in the cases provided. Never place aligners in napkins or any other case. Never place in a pocket that can be sat on.
NEVER discard any old aligners. Always bring all of your aligners to your orthodontic visit.
If you lose an aligner, call your doctor right away and wear the previous aligner if available.
There will be a charge for damage or lost aligners.

CARE OF ALIGNERS

Clean your aligners prior to each insertion. You can use the Aligner Cleaning system or a normal tooth brush. Rinse under running water and brush until clean.
Never soak in alcohol or bleach, as they will be damaged.
Do not place aligners in boiling or hot water to clean, as they will be damaged.