Patient Education

What is a Bite Plate?

A bite plate is used to prevent biting forces from resisting the movement of teeth.

Wear and Cleaning

• Bite plates need to be worn as directed.
• It is acceptable to remove when eating, brushing and during sports. We recommend wearing a mouthguard.
• While not wearing the bite plate, be careful not to bite on your braces.
• When not in your mouth keep it in the protective case.
• Do not wrap it in a napkin where it might get accidentally thrown out.
• Pets love to chew them.
• Do not clean it in hot or boiling water. Excessive heat will distort it.
• There are effervescent tablets can be used for cleaning. Ask us for recommendations.

Care

When you first wear you bite plate, your teeth may become sore. This is normal and should subside within a week. Sometimes there are rough spots that need smoothing. If so, please contact us. Should you lose or break the bite plate, please let us know immediately.

What is a Distalizer

What are springs?

There are many different styles of springs designed to correct an overbite or underbite. They are different from elastics because they are attached to the wires and cannot be removed.

Care

The springs may seem a bit bulky at first and may cause some cheek irritation. You should be able to move your jaw freely and eat as normal.

Be sure to brush and floss as normal and rinse well. Brush for 2 minutes.

Give us a call if:

• Any part of the spring feels loose
• If any of the braces next to the spring come off the tooth
• If you have any questions
• If you feel anything unusual

What are retainers?

Retainers are designed to “retain” the results we’ve achieved through treatment. REMOVABLE RETAINER VS. FIXED RETAINER (BAR): WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Removable retainers can go in and out. This provides the ability to brush and floss without anything bonded to the teeth. It also provides less places for plaque and tartar to accumulate.

Removable retainers work well if worn as directed!

Fixed retainers are often referred to as bonded “bars” or “wires” to the back of the teeth. These are often left in place indefinitely and are referred to as “permanent” retainers.

Care – Removable Retainers

Retainers initially need to be worn all the time except eating, brushing and sports
When not in your mouth, keep it in the protective case.
Do not wrap it in a napkin where it might get accidentally thrown out
Pets love to chew them.
Do not clean it in hot water. Excessive heat will distort it.
Clean your retainer at least twice a day. Water and toothpaste can be used to clean it.
When you first wear your retainer, it may feel tight. This is normal and should go away in a couple of days. Sometimes there are rough spots that need smoothing. If so, give us a call.
If you lose or break the retainer, it is important that you let us know right away.
Retainers can break or crack if handled roughly. Retainers break when you drop them, step on them or put them in your pocket. If your retainer breaks, call the office immediately.

Care – Fixed Retainers

We will show you how to brush and floss around a fixed retainer. You’ll need additional tools like floss threaders to help you get around the wire.
Check the fixed retainer daily to make sure no part of the adhesive is loose and no part of the wire is bent. If you notice any shifting, it’s usually a sign of a loose adhesive bond. Let us know right away so that we can help!

What are separator elastics?

Separators are tiny rubber bands that go in between the teeth.

Care

• After placing the separators, we will show you how to identify them.
• Avoid chewy, sticky foods or gum
• Do not floss in the areas of the separators
• You may feel some pressure in the area of the separator. This is normal.
• We will remove the separators prior to placing the bands.
• If you lose a separator, let us know right away.