What to Expect
We’ve included brief descriptions of the typical first few appointments so you’ll know what to expect when you visit our office. Also, scroll down the page to see First Aid for Braces, helpful information about the care of your dental appliances.
Your First Orthodontic Visit: Examination
Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry which deals with the straightening of teeth and alignment of the jaws in order to improve the function, health, and appearance of the mouth and face. The first appointment includes a brief examination which allows us to get acquainted and determine the basic nature of the problem. At this point, there is insufficient information to plan treatment in detail, but we can answer many of the questions which you may be concerned about such as: Is treatment necessary? When should it be started? How long will it take? Approximately how much will it cost? etc.
The Second Appointment: Records
If orthodontic treatment is desired, further diagnostic information or records are obtained at the second appointment and includes the following:
- An accurate set of models of the patient’s teeth and surrounding structures (supplied by Dr. Shiraki).
- A cephalometric (or head) x-ray showing the relative position of the teeth, supporting structures and jaws (supplied by Ala Moana X-Rays Services or Island Dental Radiology).
- Photographs of the mouth and face (supplied by Ala Moana X-Ray Services or Island Dental Radiology).
- A complete x-ray survey of all the teeth (supplied by your family dentist, Ala Moana X-Ray Services, or Island Dental Radiology).
The Third Appointment: Consultation
The third appointment is designed to acquaint you, in detail, with the nature and extent of the orthodontic problem and a plan of treatment based upon all the information gathered. For minor patients, it is desirable to have both parents present if possible, so that the objectives, methods, and duration of treatment may be clearly outlined and a satisfactory financial arrangement agreed upon. Any questions pertaining to the case may be answered at this appointment. Click here to see what colors your braces can be!
First aid for braces
- If a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Then pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer and slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. When the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer should now be back in place.
- If a wire is causing irritation, try pushing the wire away from the area being irritated using a chopstick or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked in, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum, until you can see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
- If the main wire has come out of the tube or pipe on the back molar tooth, you may attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needlenosed pliers or tweezers. If you are having a difficult time and the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. If the wire is sticking you and the wax does not help, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
- If a bracket (the small rectangular brace) is loose, in most cases, it will remain connected to the main wire by a little rubber ring that is often colored. You may use a pair of eyebrow tweezers to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call your orthodontist’ FONT situation.< your of them inform to offices>
- If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call your orthodontist to schedule a repair visit.
- If you swallow a piece of your appliances, try to remain calm. A swallowed piece will usually go either into the stomach or the lungs. Most of the time it will go in the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physicians will counsel you on your options concerning retrieval of the stray piece.
- If your teeth are usually sore after a monthly visit at your orthodontist and you weigh over 88 pounds, take 400 mg ibuprofen 1 hour before your office visit. Rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can also be soothing. Placing a numbing agent on your gum such as Orabase-B can also help. If your teeth get sore suddenly, weeks after your last office visit, give your orthodontist a call.
- If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. It sometimes helps to tie a small knot in the middle of the floss and then slide the floss back and forth through the food mass.
