By now, all or almost all of your appliances have been put on your teeth. You've been seen your dentist or orthodontist a couple of times, and you are mostly used to the feel of your braces. And by this time, you may have already had something break or pop off. This is fairly normal, because the tooth may be more stubborn than the bracket and archwire. (Remember, the bracket is the small band that was bonded on to each tooth, and the archwire is the half-moon shaped wire that goes around all the teeth.) You may have also learned in the first two months that eating certain foods is definitely NOT a good idea.

If you've broken a bracket or bent an archwire because you were eating hard candy or ice, now you know not to eat that stuff anymore! When something breaks and you have to wait until your next appointment to get it fixed, it only makes your time in braces longer.

Speaking of your next appointment, you'll want to make sure that you follow your doctor's advice on the frequency of your visits. If your appointments are four weeks apart, try to keep your appointments as close to four weeks as possible. If your braces are the type that requires appointments every six weeks, then be sure you're getting in for your visit every six weeks. Every treatment is different, but depending on your teeth, your age, and how much movement is required, your treatment will take a shorter amount of time if you keep your appointments, wear your headgear (if you have it), and follow your dentist or orthodontist's advice.

Disclaimer:

The information in this newsletter is only for the purpose of providing you with information regarding your orthodontic care and treatment. It is not intended to offer any medical or dental advice. Please contact your own dentist or orthodontist for treatment, appliances, or instructions that are right for you.