Web Site by Sesame Design™
|
Are You Wearing Your Elastics?
Be Good to Your Retainers!
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Appropriate Foods for Orthodontic Patients
Are You Wearing Your Elastics?
Elastics (or rubber bands) are as important in the success of your treatment as your appliances. Your elastics provide a light, continuous pressure that moves the teeth. Heavy, or on-and-off pressure, does not. Once you put on your elastics for the day, it takes approximately 10 hours for the teeth to begin to move; then, with continued pressure, the teeth keep moving. However, if the elastics are left off for more than 30 minutes, the process of moving teeth must start all over again.
Rubber bands are worn in different directions depending on how the teeth need to be moved. Different size bands indicate various amounts of pressure. And as
you've heard numerous times, it is crucial to wear your elastics 24 hours a day (that means, when you eat, too!) and to change them twice a day.
We recommend that you carry your elastics with you at all times and contact the office if you run low.
Next time we ask you, "How much are you wearing your elastics?", we hope to hear "ALL THE TIME!"
Back to Top
Be Good to Your Retainers!
Be good to your retainers because they are good for your oral health and new smile.
If your retainers are to do their important job, you must do three things:
Wear Them!
- That means in your mouth, not in your pocket or purse.
- Retainers are effective only if you faithfully follow our instructions.
Keep Them Clean.
- After meals, clean all parts of the retainer with a brush, as directed.
- If you can't brush, then be sure to rinse the retainers and your mouth.
- If your lower retainer is attached to your teeth, it is important to clean under the wire with dental floss. Our doctors or assistants will show you how.
Handle Them With Care.
- Don't wrap your retainer in a napkin at mealtime. More retainers are lost this way than any other.
- Place them in your retainer case for safety.
- If you are instructed to leave the retainers out part of the time, keep them in a safe place where they won't get damaged. Sometimes dogs and
other pets will eat them.
- Your retainer is sensitive to heat. Do not leave it in a closed car or in the hot sun in the summertime. Do not boil your retainer.
- Clean your retainer with a toothbrush daily. If necessary, you may soak your retainer in denture cleaner or vinegar.
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth before inserting your retainer, otherwise, debris may get trapped under it irritating your gums.
Remember, retainers are expensive to replace and repair!
Back to Top
Do You Grind Your Teeth?
Many people grind or clench their teeth. Are you one of them? Although teeth grinding (bruxism) may happen at any time, people often grind their teeth in
their sleep. You may not even know you're doing it. The causes are not clear. Stress is one possible cause, but often the reason for the habit is not known.
Damage Caused By Teeth Grinding
- Chipped enamel
- Flattened, grooved, worn-down teeth
- Loosened teeth
- Cracked teeth
If something isn't done to stop the damage, bruxism may lead to jaw muscle or joint problems and even loss of your teeth.
Symptoms of Grinding
Zaytoun Orthodontics will want to know whether you have certain symptoms such as:
- A sore, tired jaw
- Dull headaches
- Earaches
- Sensitive teeth
Symptoms like these may be a signal that you grind your teeth.
Possible Treatments
Zaytoun Orthodontics can decide how best to treat your teeth-grinding problem. The most common treatments include:
- Mouth guards – a plastic device that fits over your teeth. It protects them from grinding damage. A mouth guard is worn at the times when you're most likely to grind your teeth.
- Stress reduction – stress is suspected in many cases of bruxism. Reducing stress may help relax your jaw muscles and make grinding less likely. Zaytoun Orthodontics and your family physician will be able to suggest regular exercise or other ways to reduce stress.
- Fixing damaged teeth – Zaytoun Orthodontics and your family dentist can discuss ways to fix teeth damaged by bruxism. Crowns and inlays are two ways to fix damaged teeth.
- Medication – in some cases, medication may be given to help relieve sore muscles or reduce stress.
If you have further questions about this common problem, please contact our office.
Back to Top
Appropriate Foods for Orthodontic Patients
"Candy and foods that are sticky and chewy, or hard and crunchy, create the biggest problems for kids and adults wearing braces or retainers,"
say the doctors at Zaytoun Orthodontics.
As a reminder:
- Nothing hard;
- Nothing sticky;
- No big mouthfuls;
- Don't bite into anything.
We'd like to encourage you to steer clear of caramel, gum, and taffy. Also, those of you in treatment should avoid hard candy and crunchy foods like popcorn,
peanuts, ice, and taco chips.
Remember the following:
- "Off-limit" foods can lengthen treatment time;
- Retainers should be removed before indulging (especially before bobbing for apples at Halloween parties);
- Plain chocolate candy is alright, provided you brush afterwards.
Cooperation will lead to great results!
Back to Top
|
5041 Six Forks Rd, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609 | 919.782.6911
100 Preston Executive Drive, Cary, NC 27513 | 919.468.1765
611 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529 | 919.772.8442
|
|
