If braces are in your future, this document will help you learn more about the orthodontic treatment process, what to expect, braces questions, and braces terms.

1. 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

2. 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
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2800 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211

3. 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
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2800 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211

4. 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

5. 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
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Jacksonville, FL 32211

6. 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.

7. 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 >

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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