Live Life Smiling Newsletter April 2011 How Do Braces Work? By Brandon Johnson, DDS, DHSc I often get asked the following questions pertaining to how braces work. Are you going to tighten my braces today? Why do I need a different wire? Why do I need to come back sooner or later than my last appointment? Why did my friend only have their braces on for x amount of months and mine are taking longer? These are all good questions, and I will try to explain how the process works in general. Let me first say that every patient is treated with their own custom treatment plan based on the patient’s existing conditions. No two patients are exactly alike, which means that each patient’s time in braces and treatment plan are different. As an orthodontist, I look at each patient’s mouth as a different puzzle. I must determine the best way to put the pieces together and this may differ from one patient to the next. Do you have a teacher that deserves an A+ ? “Braces” typically consist of brackets, wires, and various auxiliary appliances. Brackets are used as a handle on the tooth and hold the wire onto the tooth. The wire is the “workhorse” that actually moves the teeth into position. The process of treatment from start to finish typically goes through the following stages: leveling and aligning, coordinating arches, finishing and detailing, and retention. The process of progressing through the stages typically takes, on average, 18-24 months, depending on the severity of malocclusion. After initial placement of the brackets, a series of light to heavier wires are used over several months to level and align the teeth. Changing from a light wire to a heavier wire is often associated with “tightening” of braces and can cause a few days of discomfort following the appointment. Auxiliary appliances (ie. elastics or springs) are typically added later in treatment when the teeth have been leveled. There is also an appointment of repositioning some brackets that takes place about 6-8 months after initial placement. The reposition appointment is done to enhance the bracket position on select teeth after the wire has had some time to straighten itself out. My goal is for my patients to be out of braces as soon as possible. Some patients can finish sooner than the 18 months and some later than the 24 months. A shorter treatment time can be achieved much easier by keeping teeth super clean (clean teeth move easier than dirty teeth), wearing elastics and appliances as directed, and by taking care of the brackets (broken brackets can add additional months onto treatment time). Remember, we are a team working together to give you an awesome smile! Write us a short paragraph explaining how he or she has made a difference in your life! We will have forms in our office for you to fill out and return. Bring in your nominations during the month of April and we will select a winner May 1. The winning teacher will receive a special surprise delivered to their classroom and the whole class will get to enjoy a pizza party to celebrate! Post a picture of yourself we want to see you Every picture posted Information in your Cornerstone Orthodontics t-shirt out in a public place! If you’re showing off your braces and t-shirt! Add your pictures to our Facebook earns one entry into a drawing for 2 summer long pool passes to the April - May 2011 out at a sporting event, hanging out around town page at www.facebook.com/ Hays Aquatic Park! The winner will be with friends, or enjoying your favorite restaurant, cornerstoneorthodontics announced June 1. Contest Helpful Tips for Brushing with Braces When to Clean How to Brush How to Floss Brush thoroughly after each Use a fluoride toothpaste and a We recommend flossing with a time you have a meal or snack. soft, rounded-bristle toothbrush. platypus flosser. These flossers If you can’t brush right away, Brush around all the parts of are designed to go underneath be sure to at least rinse your your braces and every surface the wire and can be found mouth with water. Carry a of your teeth - fronts, sides, and online at www.walgreens.com travel toothbrush with you! backs. We recommend angling Other Suggestions your toothbrush towards the We also suggest using power brackets to get underneath the toothbrushes and waterpiks to wire. Be sure to brush your keep your teeth clean and gums gently and thoroughly! healthy! We have both for sale in Cornerstone Orthodontics our office. 2707 VINE STREET, SUITE 5 HAYS, KS 67601