Back to School with Braces?  What do you need to know?

1. Bring a toothbrush to school - it is very important to clean those teeth after lunch!!

2. The school nurse is a GREAT resource - they will have wax for pokey wires, tylenol for sore teeth and toothfairy boxes for the ones you wiggle out.

3. If you have a bracket that comes loose, make sure you call our office (359-4480) to see if we need to get you in to have the brace put back on.

4. Carry extra rubberbands - if you are wearing rubberbands, make sure you have an extra pack for school, so you can change to new bands after lunch.

4. Wear a mouthguard for sports! - Be sure you protect those teeth and gums. We recommend a regular boil type of mouthguard, but instead of boiling it, just trim it to fit. If it fits too snug (like when you boil and form it) it won't allow your teeth to move properly.

5. Have fun!! We hope you have a great school year

What is the deal with rubber bands and elastics?

Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Dr. Garrison or Pennella has prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.

If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!
Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.