19 Alpers Avenue
Newmarket
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND 1001

phone [+64] 09 524 5056
fax [+64] 09 524 5057

contact us

more...

- orthodontic faqs
- food and braces
- patient examples
- further examples
- myofunctional
- orthodontic fees
- relapse
- functional ortho

did you know...

General dentists [like us at Alpers Dental] are entitled by law to do orthodontic or other specialist procedures - and we don't usually charge as much!

home : orthodontics : orthodontic faqs

Children neither wonder what is to come nor worry about what is past, but enjoy the present. I wish I was a child
- JB

Here is the factsheet that we provide to those patients who've just been fitted with fixed orthodontic appliances [braces]. Hopefully it will provide you with some idea of the treatment process.

How Long Will My Teeth Be Sore?
Expect the teeth to be somewhat tender the first few days after your braces are cemented and adjusted. Take Panadol or Nurafen to minimise the discomfort. The teeth may ache when you first eat with them but they will not bother you while you are doing other things. The sooner you start chewing the faster you will adjust to the braces

Will The Inside of My Lips Be Sore Forever?
Expect, from time to time, that your cheeks and lips may become irritated. You will eventually build-up a callus. If an ulcer forms, use the wax that we gave you and place it over the braces that seem to be causing the problem. The wax will stay in place even while eating if you make sure that the area is dry before putting the wax in place. Pull off a small piece, roll it up in a little ball and stick it over the braces.

Do I Still Have To See My Dentist For Cleanings and Check-ups?
YES, YES, YES. Please continue to see your dentist or our hygienists for regularly scheduled cleanings. We would like to see you go every three months rather than every six months to stay on top of things. This is very important. What we could also do is coordinate your cleaning appointment with an orthodontic visit so that we can remove your wires for the cleanings. This makes the hygienist’s job quite a bit easier. If you schedule a cleaning appointment, please let us know well in advance (at least 4 weeks) so that we can coordinate appointments with both clinicians. Thanks!

Why Did I Get This Space Between My Front Teeth?
Sometimes things look worse before they will look better. The teeth will move in different directions as the teeth are straightening out. You may see a space between your two front teeth that was not there before or teeth that seemed perfectly straight before the braces were placed may not seem as straight. Please be patient and things will soon start to improve. That space will close and those teeth will line up, I promise. In order to straighten the worst of the teeth, the straighter teeth may be pulled out of alignment but eventually they all work together to give you that great smile we are all working towards.

I Was Only Eating Mashed Potatoes When The Brace Broke Off?
Sometimes braces do not break off immediately after they are loosened. Sometimes that hard lollie, carrot, or pizza crust weakens the glue but not enough for it to come off. The next thing you know the bracket pops off while you’re sitting in class or eating soft bread. The important thing is that you call us ASAP to let us know (not necessary on the weekends). The brace does not necessarily have to be replaced right away but we want to know about it, even if you leave a message on the answering machine. If you wait until the day of your appointment to tell us you have a brace off, we may not be able to fix it then. If we know ahead of time we can make arrangements.

My Teeth Are Loose, Is This Okay, Are They Going To Fall Out?
Yes, this is all right so do not worry about them falling out, unless it is a baby tooth of course. We want them to get loose so that we can move them around. If they get too loose we will let you know but this is rare. Most people notice this after they have been hit with an elbow, basketball or some form of trauma to the mouth. By the way, no charge for the extraction should a permanent tooth fall out (just kidding).

How Much Longer Will The Braces Be On?
Remember, the time we told you is a rough estimate. It could take a little longer or it may not take as long. A lot of what happens depends on you. If you like to chew gum - plan on adding time. Missed some appointments - plan on adding time. If you continuously break braces - plan on adding time. If you go away for the summer - plan on adding time. Even if all goes smoothly, it could take awhile longer. No two people have teeth that move the same way and we do not want to rush the final result. Asking at each visit, "How much longer" will not help you get your braces off any earlier. But, no one can blame you for trying! Downside to asking at every visit, your dentist could lose his mind which could add time (just kidding, or am I?). Good luck!