Learn More About Getting Braces At Ju School Of Orthodontics

904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com

2800 University Blvd. N.

Jacksonville, FL 32211

SpacersHow They WorkFor 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 few days your teeth will move slightly apart, enabling us to slide the metal bands in place more easily.

What To DoYou 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 usually do.

If you lose a spacer...If you happen to lose a spacer, it’s important that you call

as soon as possible so that we can replace it.

Before Spacers

After Spacers

904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com



Food

Hard and sticky foods are the ones most dangerous for orthodontic patients as they can bend wires, loosen cement, or break the brackets and tubes on your braces. Because such setbacks require additional appointments to replace broken parts, they usually delay the length of treatment. Although a careful orthodontic patient can probably eat almost any food without damaging his/her braces, the best course of action is to avoid these foods.

Foods high in sugar content also pose a problem as sugar lingering around the braces may cause cavities. Again, 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.

Do NOT Eat:•Popcorn•Nuts•PeanutBrittle•Ice(evenifyou’recareful)•Lemons(purelemonjuicecanhurtyourtoothenamel)

•Corn-on-the-cob•Cornchips,crisptacos•Taffyandcaramels•FruitChews,GummyBears,etc.•PizzaCrust(thehardouteredge)•BubbleGum(Askyourdoctorifnon-

stick, sugarless gum is sometimes allowed)

You MAY Be Able to Eat:•CarrotSticks(ifcutintothincarrotcurls)

•Apples(NOTwhole,onlywhencutintothinwedges)

•HardFrenchBread(iftakeninsmallpieces,carefully)

•DietDrinks

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Braces1 Bands

These are thin bands of metal carefully fitted to each tooth and then cemented into place. Each band is fitted with brackets or tubes, offering us a way to grasp and control each individual tooth. Imagine bands as small handles on each your teeth.

2 BracketsBrackets are the parts of the braces that hold the archwires, which control the 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 withoutusingtheband.Oncetreatmentis complete, the brackets are removed and the tooth surface is polished free of the cementing materials.

3 ArchwiresThese are attached to the brackets and act as guides or tracks along which your teeth are moved. They are changed continually throughout your treatment, with each change bringing us closer to the ideal tooth position.

4 Rubber BandsThese provide additional force to help your teeth move, usually by employing one group of teeth against another.

BracesBraces, also called orthodontic appliances, are mechanical devices that are attached to the teeth and permit specific forces causing them to move.At the cellular level, when orthodontic forces are applied to a tooth a corresponding force is transmitted to the underlying bone. Certain types ofcells respond by softening the bone on the “pressure” side, while other cells lay down new bone on the “tension” side as the tooth moves in the desired direction. Braces come in many different designs, the two most common are removable and fixed.

Removable BracesRemovable braces – often called retainers, aligners, bite plates or functionals – serve several purposes. Somekeepthejawsapartduringtoothmovement. Others actually repositionthe jaws allowing the orthodontist tomodify jaw growth. Many have theability to move teeth, but they lack the precision that occurs when fixed appliances are used. Finally, removable appliances are most often used to help stabilizethefinishedorthodonticresult.Depending on why they are used,these types of braces need to be worn anywhere from full to part time.

Fixed AppliancesFixed appliances comprise two parts. The part that attaches to the tooth is

called either a band or a bracket. Both bands and brackets have specifically designed attachments welded to them so that the second part – the wire – can be secured to the fixed appliance. Bands are made of metal, but brackets canbemadefromeitherclearortooth-colored plastic, ceramic material, or porcelain, as well as from metal. The bands are cemented around the teeth while brackets are bonded by various methods toasmallpartof the tooth’ssurface. The bonding materials can be easily removed when the orthodontic therapy is completed.

The wire has two functions. By virtue of its shape, or by your doctor placing certain bends into it, the wire has the ability to move your teeth in a desired direction. Because of the type of metal employed, the process used in manufacturing,andthesizeofthewire;very specific forces can be applied to the teeth. Thus, the wire has the potential to precisely move the teeth according toyourdoctor’streatmentplan.

The second function of a wire is to act as a track for the teeth to move along. Tooth movement is accomplished by using different springs or elastics with varying force levels. Again, detailed control is the main feature of the fixed appliance. Returning for periodic visits

to adjust the force levels used, andby carefully monitoring the progress achieved, orthodontic correction occurs.

Your Part It is important to understand that tooth movement should be a smooth, uninterrupted process if the best results are to occur. For this to happen, your doctor will often depend on you to help effect the desired changes. This will occur through your cooperation with such things as:•keepingregularlyscheduled

appointments•wearingandchangingrubberbands

as instructed•usingaheadgearinacertainway•beingcarefulnottobreakorbend

the fixed appliances•keepingyourteethandgumsclean

and healthy

A successful outcome is not achieved by chance. It comes from your doctor’scontinuingeducation;technicalexcellence of your dental team;stringentcooperationfromthepatient;and last but not least, patience. It takes time for your teeth and their surrounding structures to change from a malocclusion into a beautiful smile.

Remember...If you ever have a question you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com



BrushingThe ProblemOne of the common fears aboutorthodontics is that if proper brushing 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 with your toothbrush. Additionally, foods that would typically slide across the teeth and gums during chewing if you did not have braces, can no longer do their usual job of helping to clean theteeth 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. Continuedneglect of teeth and/or gum areas can certainly result in decay. However, with proper care, this is a problem that can be avoided.

The SolutionFrequent Brushing:•It’sbesttobrushwithinfiveminutesof

eating. For this reason, we recommend carrying a folding or travel toothbrush withyou.Attheveryleast,afteryou’veeaten something particularly sweet, rinse your mouth with clear water.

Careful Brushing:•First,brushbackandforthacrossand

between the wires and gums on your

upper and lower teeth to loosen the food particles.

•Next,brushasifyouhadnobandson:

1.Start on the outside of the upperteethwith bristles at a 45-degreeangle toward the gum on the “shelf.” Scrub with a circularmotion, two or three teeth at a time using 10 strokes, then move on.

2.Dothesameontheinnersurfacesof the upper teeth.

3.Scrubthechewingsurfaceslast.4.Start on the outside of the lower

teeth and repeat the process. Remember to direct the brush at an angle toward the gum.

•Rinseyourmouthandyourtoothbrush.Look inamirror tosee if youmissedanyplaces.Checkthelittlehalf-moonspaces of teeth between the bands

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Brushingand 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 andwires shouldbe freeofALL foodparticlesaswellas thesoftwhitecoating (plaque).Your braces should appear clean and shiny.

•Please note that any type of liquid oralhygiene product can indeed be very helpful, but only AFTER a thorough brushing. It is NOTasubstituteforbrushing,butisusefulfor removing particles the brush can’treach.

Remember...Frequent and careful brushing can greatly decrease

the chances of tooth decay.

904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com



FAQsThe following are the most commonly asked questions about braces and orthodontic care provided by the JU School of Orthodontics. If you have aquestion not addressed here, please ask your doctor.

Q. When should an orthodontist first be seen?A. Children should usually see anorthodontist around age seven. By doing this,bigproblemscanoftenbeminimized.Adults can visit an orthodontist any time, evenifthey’vehadbracesbefore.

Q. How do I know if I need braces?A. The number one reason to choose braces is the desire to improve your smile. However, braces may also help correct or avoid dental health problems such as improper alignment of teeth which can sometimes lead to gum disease and early tooth loss. Additionally, straightening teeth can eliminate uneven chewing, which can cause headaches and pain.

Q. How long will treatment last?A. Expect your treatment to last from 18 to 30 months depending on your individual needs. Keeping your maintenance appointments, caring for your braces and practicing good oral hygiene is the best method of completing your treatment on time, or in some cases, earlier than anticipated.

Q. What can I expect on my first visit?A. At your complimentary initial visit, you’ll meet our staff and get most ofyour questions answered. Then, we’lldetermine a course of treatment and

provide an estimate of the treatment costs. If you decide you would like to move forward, we can take the required X-rays, and make an appointment toplace your braces.

Q. What kind of braces are available?A. Today, braces are a fashion statement, so you can be as traditional or hip as you want to be. Go with traditional metalbands, colored, gold or clear.

Q. How long does it take to apply braces? A. It depends on the individual case, but typically one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.

Q. Will my braces hurt?A.Themoderncast,low-profilebracketswe use are designed to minimizeany discomfort between visits to the orthodontist. Your mouth is usually sore the first few days after you get braces and for a day or two each time they’retightened. If you do experience pain that doesn’t diminish, alert your doctor andhe/she will determine the cause of your problem.

Q. Will braces cause sores?A. They may at first. Just rinse the mouth withwarmsaltwaterandthey’llhealinabout a week.

Q. Do I need to do anything special the first week or so?A.Yes,whileyou’regettingusedtothebraces, eat softer foods. Your gums and teeth will appreciate it. Be extra careful around your entire mouth area while it is tender.

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FAQsQ. Can I play sports?A. Absolutely! However, plan to wear an orthodontic mouth guard for protection.

Q. Can I still chew gum with braces?A. Gum is not a good idea because itnot only sticks to your braces, but also the sugar gets trapped and may cause cavities. However, ask your orthodontist ifnon-stick,sugarfreegumisanoptionfor you.

Q. What other foods should I avoid?A. Stay away from hard, sticky, gooeyor crunchy foods. If food is too hard to chew, it could cause some of your braces to come loose.

Q. What happens if a bracket does 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.

Q. Do I need to brush more with braces?A.Plan tobrushwithafluoridegelandflossaftereverymealandbeforeyougoto bed. Flossing is especially important to avoid trapped food.

Q. Why do some people wear rubber bands?A. The rubber bands are used to move teeth forward or backward in your mouth. If rubber bands are recommended for you and you don’t wear them, it couldlengthen your treatment time.

Q. Will I need to wear a retainer?A. Yes! Retainers keep your teeth straight afterthebracescomeoff.Withoutthemyour teeth will move and the entire treatmentcouldbejeopardized.

Remember...If you ever have a question about your braces or how to care for

them you can contact our office, 904.256.7846

904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com



You Should KnowAn informed patient is our best patient. That’s why we make sure you knoweverything you should about your options and how the treatment will progress. From yourveryfirstvisit,we’llworkwithyouto explain everything from the apparent problem all the way to maintaining the finished results.

Your First VisitWhat should you expectwhen you firstvisit an orthodontist? You should be told what the problem appears to be; whattests are necessary to properly diagnose the problem and formulate a treatment plan, and whether now is the right time tobegintherapyor,whether it’sbest towait until a future date.

When a patient either desires to have,or is informed that orthodontic therapy is recommended, he or she should be told why it is in their best interest to undergo such treatment. Common reasonsinclude:•Cosmetics (crooked teeth, overbite,etc.)

•To facilitate other dental work (toproperly position teeth for future capping,bridgesorimplants)

•Tocorrectajawdiscrepancyorskeletaldisharmony(biteisoff)

•To help a patient maintain theirperiodontal status (health of thesupportinggumsandbone)

The DiagnosisThe next step is gathering necessary information by obtaining diagnostic records. The most often taken are:

•x-raysof the teeth todeterminehowsound they are and whether the bony support for them is adequate

•afilmoftheskulltoseetherelationshipoftheteethtothejawsandthejawsto one another

•photographs of the face to assessone’s profile and the effect that anyproposedtoothorjawmovementmayhave

•a clinical exam to check for cavitiesand gum disease, and

•a review of the patient’s medicalhistory as there are many underlying physical problems that can impact on the success or failure of orthodontic therapy

ConsultationA consultation between the doctor or one of the office staff and the patient will then follow. At the consultation you should be explained the actual problem – in a language you can understand. You should be told why correction is advised and how it is to be achieved. You should also be informed of all reasonable alternative methods of resolving your particular problem.

As no form of medical treatment is without some risks, limitations, or compromises, you should be made aware of those that pertain toyourspecificsituation. Next,you should be told what result you can expect from undergoing orthodontic therapy, and finally, what will occur if no treatment is undertaken.

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You Should KnowAt this time the fee for the services to be rendered should be discussed in full and suitable financial arrangements should be made to the satisfaction of bothyouandyourdoctor.Makesurethatyou have had the chance to ask and have answered all your questions regarding the proposed treatment plan, how long your treatment should take, and the financial responsibilities you are assuming.

TreatmentIt is now time to begin treatment. The appliances or braces will be specifically tailored to your particular problem. You may require removable and/or permanent appliances. Once they areattached to your teeth, make sure you have been given careful instructions on howtocare for them.Check tobesurethat your doctor will either be available or has made provisions for coverage if an emergency(breakage)arises.

You need to be told that you have certain responsibilities to meet in order to achievethebestresultspossible.Someof these are:•maintaininggoodoralhygiene

•wearing rubber bands or a headgearas instructed

•keeping your regularly scheduledappointments

•continuingtoseeyourgeneraldentistat least twice a year unless your orthodontist recommends otherwise.

Retention CareAt the completion of active treatment, you will undergo a period of retention care. This phase of treatment is necessary to evaluate and help maintain the results achieved. An appropriate retainer will befabricatedtomaximizethestabilityofthe finished result. Remember, nothing lasts forever and some movement of your teeth during the years is normal and to be expected.

ConclusionOrthodontic therapy carries many benefits. Evaluating these can only be done if you have been given sufficient information on which to base your decision to undergo care. You have a right to know. To be educated is to be abletochoosewisely.Welookforwardto helping you take advantage of all those rights.


904.256.7846

www.JUsmiles.com



How To Find UsTraveling South on I-95:Take9ASouthacrosstheSt.JohnsRivertoMerrillRoad.Exitonthe

MerrillRoadaccessroadandturnright(headingwest)onMerrillRoad.AttheendofMerrillRoad,turn right onto University Boulevard and the main JU campus entrance is the next left off of University Boulevard.

Traveling East on I-10:MergewithI-95North.ExitontoUnionStreetheadingeast.CrossSt.JohnsRiverontheMathewsBridge.Road becomes Arlington Expressway. The first exit after crossing the bridge is for University Boulevard.Drive

under the University Boulevard overpass and immediately bear right to exit onto University BoulevardNorth.ThemainJUcampusentranceisthethirdentrancetocampusasyou’reheadednorth on University Boulevard.

Traveling North on I-95:TakeSouthsideBoulevard(StateRd.115–Exit340)exit,headingnorth.CrossBeachBoulevardandAtlanticBoulevard.SouthsideBoulevardbecomesSouthsideConnector.TurnleftontoMerrillRoadjustbeforethe9Ainterchange.AttheendofMerrillRoad,turnrightontoUniversityBoulevard. The main JU campus entrance is the nextentrancetocampusontheleftasyou’reheaded north on University Boulevard.

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How To Find Us


Finding Us On Campus:EnterJU’scampusfromthenorthernmost campus entrance: the third entrance as you are travelingnorthonUniversityBoulevard.Travelthree-quartersthewayaroundthecircularturn-aboutandentertheparkinglotinfrontoftheLazzaraHealthScienceCenterwhichwillbeonyourrightasyounavigatethecircularturn-about.TheOrthodonticsClinicisonthefirstflooroftheLazzaraHealthScienceCenter.

PatientParking

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Learn More About Getting Braces At Ju School Of Orthodontics