Learn More About Getting Braces At Ju School Of Orthodontics

Spacers How They Work For many patients, spacers are the first step in getting fitted for braces. These small springs or plastic modules are placed between certain teeth to create additional space, making the banding process that follows more comfortable for you. After a Before Spacers few days your teeth will move slightly apart, enabling us to slide the metal bands in place more easily. What To Do You can expect the spacers to cause temporary soreness that will disappear within a few days. Relieve your discomfort by rinsing with warm salt water. The more you are able to chew normally, the more quickly your teeth will begin to feel like they After Spacers usually do. If you lose a spacer... 904.256.7846 www.JUsmiles.com 2800 University Blvd. N. If you happen to lose a spacer, it’s important that you call as soon as possible so that we can replace it. Jacksonville, FL 32211

Food Do NOT Eat: • Popcorn • Nuts • Peanut Brittle • Ice (even if you’re careful) • Lemons (pure lemon juice can hurt your tooth enamel) • Corn-on-the-cob • Corn chips, crisp tacos Hard and sticky foods are the ones most • Taffy and caramels dangerous for orthodontic patients as • Fruit Chews, Gummy Bears, etc. they can bend wires, loosen cement, or • Pizza Crust (the hard outer edge) break the brackets and tubes on your • Bubble Gum (Ask your doctor if non- braces. Because such setbacks require stick, sugarless gum is sometimes additional appointments to replace allowed) broken parts, they usually delay the length of treatment. Although a careful orthodontic patient can probably eat You MAY Be Able to Eat: almost any food without damaging his/ • Carrot Sticks (if cut into thin carrot her braces, the best course of action is to curls) avoid these foods. • Apples (NOT whole, only when cut into thin wedges) Foods high in sugar content also pose • Hard French Bread (if taken in small a problem as sugar lingering around pieces, carefully) the braces may cause cavities. Again, • Diet Drinks refraining from these foods is best, but if you do indulge, plan on brushing your teeth immediately. If this is not possible, rinse your mouth with clear water after eating particularly sweet foods. 904.256.7846 www.JUsmiles.com 2800 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211

Braces 1 Bands 3 Archwires These are thin bands of metal carefully These are attached to the brackets and fitted to each tooth and then cemented act as guides or tracks along which into place. Each band is fitted with your teeth are moved. They are changed brackets or tubes, offering us a way to continually throughout your treatment, grasp and control each individual tooth. with each change bringing us closer to Imagine bands as small handles on each the ideal tooth position. your teeth. 4 Rubber Bands 2 Brackets These provide additional force to help Brackets are the parts of the braces that your teeth move, usually by employing hold the archwires, which control the one group of teeth against another. movement of your teeth. Traditionally, these are affixed to the bands that encircle your tooth. However, recent methods and materials have been perfected that often allow these brackets to be cemented/ bonded directly to the tooth surfaces without using the band. Once treatment is complete, the brackets are removed and the tooth surface is polished free of the cementing materials. 4 1 904.256.7846 2 3 www.JUsmiles.com 2800 University Blvd. N. Jacksonville, FL 32211

Braces Braces, also called orthodontic called either a band or a bracket. Both to adjust the force levels used, and appliances, are mechanical devices that bands and brackets have specifically by carefully monitoring the progress are attached to the teeth and permit designed attachments welded to them achieved, orthodontic correction specific forces causing them to move. so that the second part – the wire occurs. At the cellular level, when orthodontic – can be secured to the fixed appliance. Your Part forces are applied to a tooth a Bands are made of metal, but brackets It is important to understand that corresponding force is transmitted to can be made from either clear or tooth- tooth movement should be a smooth, the underlying bone. Certain types of colored plastic, ceramic material, or uninterrupted process if the best cells respond by softening the bone on porcelain, as well as from metal. The results are to occur. For this to happen, the “pressure” side, while other cells bands are cemented around the teeth your doctor will often depend on you to lay down new bone on the “tension” while brackets are bonded by various help effect the desired changes. This side as the tooth moves in the desired methods to a small part of the tooth’s will occur through your cooperation direction. Braces come in many different surface. The bonding materials can be with such things as: designs, the two most common are easily removed when the orthodontic • keeping regularly scheduled removable and fixed. therapy is completed. appointments Removable Braces • wearing and changing rubber bands The wire has two functions. By virtue Removable braces – often called as instructed of its shape, or by your doctor placing retainers, aligners, bite plates or • using a headgear in a certain way certain bends into it, the wire has the functionals – serve several purposes. • being careful not to break or bend ability to move your teeth in a desired Some keep the jaws apart during tooth the fixed appliances direction. Because of the type of movement. Others actually reposition • keeping your teeth and gums clean metal employed, the process used in the jaws allowing the orthodontist to and healthy manufacturing, and the size of the wire; modify jaw growth. Many have the very specific forces can be applied to the ability to move teeth, but they lack A successful outcome is not achieved teeth. Thus, the wire has the potential the precision that occurs when fixed by chance. It comes from your to precisely move the teeth according appliances are used. Finally, removable doctor’s continuing education; technical to your doctor’s treatment plan. appliances are most often used to help excellence of your dental team; stabilize the finished orthodontic result. stringent cooperation from the patient; The second function of a wire is to act Depending on why they are used, and last but not least, patience. It as a track for the teeth to move along. these types of braces need to be worn takes time for your teeth and their Tooth movement is accomplished by anywhere from full to part time. surrounding structures to change from using different springs or elastics with a malocclusion into a beautiful smile. Fixed Appliances varying force levels. Again, detailed Fixed appliances comprise two parts. control is the main feature of the fixed The part that attaches to the tooth is appliance. Returning for periodic visits Remember... If you ever have a question you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

Brushing The Problem upper and lower teeth to loosen the One of the common fears about food particles. orthodontics is that if proper brushing • Next, brush as if you had no bands on: methods are not used, braces can contribute to tooth decay. This is because the bands or bonded brackets on your teeth, along with the attached tubes and wires, tend to create a little shelf around the outside of the teeth. This shelf makes it harder for you to clean the spaces between your gums and the attachments 1. Start on the outside of the upper with your toothbrush. Additionally, foods teeth with bristles at a 45-degree that would typically slide across the angle toward the gum on the teeth and gums during chewing if you “shelf.” Scrub with a circular did not have braces, can no longer do motion, two or three teeth at a time their usual job of helping to clean the using 10 strokes, then move on. teeth and exercise the gums. And, if you fail to get the teeth clean and exercise your gums, the gums swell, making teeth cleaning even more difficult. Continued neglect of teeth and/or gum areas can certainly result in decay. However, with 2. Do the same on the inner surfaces proper care, this is a problem that can be of the upper teeth. avoided. 3. Scrub the chewing surfaces last. 4. Start on the outside of the lower The Solution Frequent Brushing: • It’s best to brush within five minutes of eating. For this reason, we recommend carrying a folding or travel toothbrush with you. At the very least, after you’ve eaten something particularly sweet, teeth and repeat the process. rinse your mouth with clear water. Remember to direct the brush at an Careful Brushing: angle toward the gum. • First, brush back and forth across and between the wires and gums on your • Rinse your mouth and your toothbrush. 904.256.7846 Look in a mirror to see if you missed www.JUsmiles.com any places. Check the little half-moon 2800 University Blvd. N. spaces of teeth between the bands more > Jacksonville, FL 32211

Brushing and gums as well as the space between the molar tubes and gums. If you see any areas you missed, go back and clean them. • When you have finished, the bands and wires should be free of ALL food particles as well as the soft white coating (plaque). Your braces should appear clean and shiny. • Please note that any type of liquid oral hygiene product can indeed be very helpful, but only AFTER a thorough brushing. It is NOT a substitute for brushing, but is useful for removing particles the brush can’t reach. Remember... Frequent and careful brushing can greatly decrease the chances of tooth decay.

FAQs The following are the most commonly provide an estimate of the treatment asked questions about braces and costs. If you decide you would like to orthodontic care provided by the JU move forward, we can take the required School of Orthodontics. If you have a X-rays, and make an appointment to question not addressed here, please ask place your braces. your doctor. Q. What kind of braces are available? Q. When should an orthodontist first A. Today, braces are a fashion statement, be seen? so you can be as traditional or hip as you A. Children should usually see an want to be. Go with traditional metal orthodontist around age seven. By doing bands, colored, gold or clear. this, big problems can often be minimized. Q. How long does it take to apply Adults can visit an orthodontist any time, braces? even if they’ve had braces before. A. It depends on the individual case, but Q. How do I know if I need braces? typically one-and-a-half to two-and-a- A. The number one reason to choose half hours. braces is the desire to improve your smile. Q. Will my braces hurt? However, braces may also help correct A. The modern cast, low-profile brackets or avoid dental health problems such as we use are designed to minimize improper alignment of teeth which can any discomfort between visits to the sometimes lead to gum disease and early orthodontist. Your mouth is usually sore tooth loss. Additionally, straightening the first few days after you get braces teeth can eliminate uneven chewing, and for a day or two each time they’re which can cause headaches and pain. tightened. If you do experience pain that Q. How long will treatment last? doesn’t diminish, alert your doctor and A. Expect your treatment to last from 18 to he/she will determine the cause of your 30 months depending on your individual problem. needs. Keeping your maintenance Q. Will braces cause sores? appointments, caring for your braces and A. They may at first. Just rinse the mouth practicing good oral hygiene is the best with warm salt water and they’ll heal in method of completing your treatment about a week. on time, or in some cases, earlier than anticipated. Q. Do I need to do anything special the first week or so? Q. What can I expect on my first A. Yes, while you’re getting used to the 904.256.7846 visit? braces, eat softer foods. Your gums and A. At your complimentary initial visit, www.JUsmiles.com teeth will appreciate it. Be extra careful you’ll meet our staff and get most of around your entire mouth area while it is 2800 University Blvd. N. your questions answered. Then, we’ll tender. determine a course of treatment and Jacksonville, FL 32211 more >

FAQs Q. Can I play sports? Q. Do I need to brush more with A. Absolutely! However, plan to wear an braces? orthodontic mouth guard for protection. A. Plan to brush with a fluoride gel and floss after every meal and before you go Q. Can I still chew gum with to bed. Flossing is especially important to braces? avoid trapped food. A. Gum is not a good idea because it not only sticks to your braces, but also Q. Why do some people wear rubber the sugar gets trapped and may cause bands? cavities. However, ask your orthodontist A. The rubber bands are used to move if non-stick, sugar free gum is an option teeth forward or backward in your mouth. for you. If rubber bands are recommended for you and you don’t wear them, it could Q. What other foods should I avoid? lengthen your treatment time. A. Stay away from hard, sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. If food is too hard to Q. Will I need to wear a retainer? chew, it could cause some of your braces A. Yes! Retainers keep your teeth straight to come loose. after the braces come off. Without them your teeth will move and the entire Q. What happens if a bracket does treatment could be jeopardized. come off? A. The orthodontist will attach another one. Keep in mind, each time the orthodontist has to replace your braces, it delays the orthodontic treatment. Remember... If you ever have a question about your braces or how to care for them you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

You Should Know An informed patient is our best patient. • x-rays of the teeth to determine how That’s why we make sure you know sound they are and whether the bony everything you should about your options support for them is adequate and how the treatment will progress. From • a film of the skull to see the relationship your very first visit, we’ll work with you of the teeth to the jaws and the jaws to explain everything from the apparent to one another problem all the way to maintaining the • photographs of the face to assess finished results. one’s profile and the effect that any proposed tooth or jaw movement may Your First Visit have What should you expect when you first • a clinical exam to check for cavities visit an orthodontist? You should be told and gum disease, and what the problem appears to be; what • a review of the patient’s medical tests are necessary to properly diagnose history as there are many underlying the problem and formulate a treatment physical problems that can impact on plan, and whether now is the right time the success or failure of orthodontic to begin therapy or, whether it’s best to therapy wait until a future date. Consultation When a patient either desires to have, A consultation between the doctor or or is informed that orthodontic therapy is one of the office staff and the patient recommended, he or she should be told will then follow. At the consultation you why it is in their best interest to undergo should be explained the actual problem such treatment. Common reasons – in a language you can understand. You include: should be told why correction is advised • Cosmetics (crooked teeth, overbite, and how it is to be achieved. You should etc.) also be informed of all reasonable • To facilitate other dental work (to alternative methods of resolving your properly position teeth for future particular problem. capping, bridges or implants) • To correct a jaw discrepancy or skeletal As no form of medical treatment is without disharmony (bite is off) some risks, limitations, or compromises, • To help a patient maintain their you should be made aware of those that periodontal status (health of the pertain to your specific situation. Next, supporting gums and bone) you should be told what result you can 904.256.7846 expect from undergoing orthodontic The Diagnosis therapy, and finally, what will occur if no www.JUsmiles.com The next step is gathering necessary treatment is undertaken. information by obtaining diagnostic 2800 University Blvd. N. records. The most often taken are: more > Jacksonville, FL 32211

You Should Know At this time the fee for the services to • wearing rubber bands or a headgear be rendered should be discussed in full as instructed and suitable financial arrangements • keeping your regularly scheduled should be made to the satisfaction of appointments both you and your doctor. Make sure that • continuing to see your general dentist you have had the chance to ask and have at least twice a year unless your answered all your questions regarding the orthodontist recommends otherwise. proposed treatment plan, how long your Retention Care treatment should take, and the financial At the completion of active treatment, you responsibilities you are assuming. will undergo a period of retention care. Treatment This phase of treatment is necessary to It is now time to begin treatment. The evaluate and help maintain the results appliances or braces will be specifically achieved. An appropriate retainer will tailored to your particular problem. be fabricated to maximize the stability of You may require removable and/or the finished result. Remember, nothing permanent appliances. Once they are lasts forever and some movement of your attached to your teeth, make sure you teeth during the years is normal and to have been given careful instructions on be expected. how to care for them. Check to be sure Conclusion that your doctor will either be available Orthodontic therapy carries many or has made provisions for coverage if an benefits. Evaluating these can only be emergency (breakage) arises. done if you have been given sufficient information on which to base your You need to be told that you have certain decision to undergo care. You have a responsibilities to meet in order to right to know. To be educated is to be achieve the best results possible. Some able to choose wisely. We look forward of these are: to helping you take advantage of all • maintaining good oral hygiene those rights. Remember... If you ever have a question you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

How To Find Us Traveling South on I-95: Take 9A South across the St. Johns River to Merrill Road. Exit on the Merrill Road access road and turn right (heading west) on Merrill Road. At the end of Merrill Road, 113 turn right onto University 9A Boulevard and the main Fort Caroline Road JU campus entrance is the next left off of University Boulevard. Merrill Road Traveling East on Gilmore Heights Road University Boulevard N. I-10: Merge with I-95 North. Exit onto Union r Road Sta Lo ne Street heading east. Arlington Road 113 Cross St. Johns River r on the Mathews Bridge. to Matthews Bridge 115 Arlington Expressway 10A ec nn to Downtown Southside Co N. 109 Road becomes Arlington Ar lin 10 n gt Expressway. The first to n n Road exit after crossing the 1 Atlantic Boulevard 10 bridge is for University Boulevard. Drive under the University Boulevard overpass and immediately bear right to exit onto University Boulevard North. The main JU campus entrance is the third entrance to campus as you’re headed north on University Boulevard. Traveling North on I-95: Take Southside Boulevard (State Rd. 115 – Exit 340) exit, heading north. Cross Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. Southside Boulevard becomes Southside Connector. Turn left onto Merrill Road just before the 9A interchange. At the 904.256.7846 end of Merrill Road, turn right onto University www.JUsmiles.com Boulevard. The main JU campus entrance is the next entrance to campus on the left as you’re 2800 University Blvd. N. headed north on University Boulevard. Jacksonville, FL 32211

How To Find Us Patient Parking Patient Overflow Parking Finding Us On Campus: Enter JU’s campus from the northernmost campus entrance: the third entrance as you are traveling north on University Boulevard. Travel three-quarters the way around the circular turn-about and enter the parking lot in front of the Lazzara Health Science Center which will be on your right as you navigate the circular turn-about. The Orthodontics Clinic is on the first floor of the Lazzara Health Science Center. Remember... If you ever have a question you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

Learn More About Getting Braces At Ju School Of Orthodontics

by JU School of Orthodontics on May 31, 2010

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Learn More About Getting Braces At Ju School Of Orthodontics — Document Transcript