Orthodontic Consultants of Saint Louis: Orthodontic practice for adults and children using state-of-the-art techniques. Our modern facilities are located on The Boulevard, off South Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri

FLOSSING:
Insert floss behind the arch wire. Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with an up and down motion. Floss between all teeth at least once a day.

BRUSHING:
Try to brush 4 times a day; morning, noon, dinner and bedtime. Brush under, above, behind and around ALL surfaces of the teeth AND braces. Brush inside and outside of both top and bottom gums. Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing. An electric toothbrush can be helpful.

DIET:
Foods that cannot be cleaned off the braces may lead to discoloration and decay of your teeth. The braces are fragile and are usually damaged by eating the wrong foods, thus taking us longer to finish your treatment.

Please note the example items below. Remember to use good judgment in your dietary selection because we cannot list all possible foods that could damage your appliances.

NO STICKEY OR HARD FOODS/ITEMS:
These are examples as we could not list all possibilities.

Gum, ice, carmels, carmelized apples, toffee, tootsie rolls, sugar daddies, sugar babies, now & laters, taffy, starburst, licorice, gummy bears, snickers, nuts, popcorn, hard candy, hard pretzels, doritos, meat jerky, pens, straws, and pencils.

FOOD TO CUT UP BEFORE EATING:
Apples, carrots, oranges, chewy bagels, corn on the cob, pizza and meat.

LOOSE BAND OR BRACKET:
If a band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If the bracket is bothering you, place wax on it. If it comes off completely, call us for an appointment. If you have a loose appliance, or broken bracket please call to add time to your next appointment

LOOSE WIRE/POKING:
Try to place wire back into place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it.

LOST ELASTIC TIE:
This is not an emergency and it can wait until your next appointment

RETAINER, HEADGEAR OR EXPANDER IS LOOSE:
The improper handling of these appliances will cause them to bend and in turn, cause you discomfort. Be sure to handle your appliance as the Doctor and staff have instructed you. If you feel your appliance has bent or has come loose, please call our office.

POKING WIRE:
To ease a poking wire push down with a spoon or pencil eraser and use wax.

Orthodontic devices that are bonded to the teeth are termed “fixed appliances”.

Components of fixed appliances are made of stainless steel (silver or gold in color), or reinforced glass fiber (clear).

BAND:
The metal ring that fits around the tooth with an attachment for the arch-wire.

BRACKET:
The square shaped attachment bonded to the tooth surface, can be made of metal or glass fiber.

TIE:
The elastic or wire tie, that secures the arch wire in
the bracket.

ARCHWIRE:
The metal wire track that fits into each bracket slot.

For cleanings at the dentist, call our office in advance to schedule an appointment to remove the arch-wires. Your dentist will thank you.

PRECAUTIONS:
Braces do not cause cavities, however bacterial plaque does. It is essential that plaque is removed completely each day. It is very important to keep your normal cleaning appointment with your family dentist.

Keep appointments and follow instructions closely. The wearing of headgear, elastics and retainers as they are prescribed is essential to a timely and excellent result.