Do you aspire for a more aligned and self-assured smile? At Class One Orthodontics, we hold the conviction that everyone, irrespective of their age, should have the chance to attain their dream smile. We recognize that orthodontic care isn’t exclusive to adolescents, and that’s why we provide extensive orthodontic solutions for adults that are customized to align with your distinct requirements and way of life. Our team of seasoned orthodontists is dedicated to assisting you in achieving an aligned, attractive smile that you’ll be eager to display.
Free Consultation
Adjusting to braces involves learning how to take care of them properly to ensure effective treatment and a healthy smile. It's important for you to know how to properly take care of your braces throughout your entire orthodontic treatment.
After your braces are applied, it’s common to experience some general soreness in your mouth and tenderness in your teeth for a few days. For severe discomfort over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are effective. Soft tissues such as lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel irritated for a week or two as they adjust to the braces. Canker sores or blisters might appear. Applying dental wax and using salt water rinses can help alleviate these symptoms. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously.
Feeling your teeth slightly loose is a normal part of the braces working to realign your teeth. If a wire or band loosens, use a blunt instrument like the back of a spoon to adjust it temporarily and apply wax if irritation persists. Contact our office in Newton or our office in Worcester immediately for an appointment to check and repair the appliance. Keep any dislodged pieces to bring to your appointment.
With braces, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Brush at least three times a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular dental checkups are essential to manage risks like cavities and gum disease. Patients struggling with hygiene may need more frequent professional cleanings.
Participating in sports or playing musical instruments can continue without interruption with braces. Wearing a protective mouthguard is recommended during sports to shield your mouth from potential impacts.
Adjust your diet to protect your braces and ensure effective treatment. Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that can damage your orthodontic appliances. You'll enjoy your favorite snacks again soon, but for now, prioritize your treatment's success to achieve the best orthodontic results.
Chewy: Licorice, bagels
Crunchy: Popcorn, chips
Sticky: Caramel candies, gum
Hard: Nuts, hard candies
Biting into: Corn on the cob, raw carrots
Dairy: Pudding, soft cheeses
Breads: Pancakes, soft muffins
Grains: Pasta, soft rice
Meats: Tender chicken, meatballs
Vegetables: Steamed spinach, mashed potatoes
Fruits: Bananas, applesauce
Treats: Jell-O, soft cake
Made from high-grade stainless steel, these braces are durable and can be personalized with colored elastics. Perfect for patients in New England, looking for a reliable option.
These less visible braces are ideal for patients with cosmetic concerns, requiring more careful oral hygiene. A popular choice at our Newton orthodontics office.
Clear, removable aligners offer a nearly invisible teeth-straightening option, allowing easier eating and cleaning. Available at both our Newton and Worcester locations.
To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed. The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.
Separators (Spacers)
Separators are little rubber rings that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. To prevent separators from being removed prematurely, please avoid eating sticky foods and do not try to floss around them.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander (widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. We instruct our patients how often to activate the expander.
Lower Lingual Arch
This appliance is very important for our younger patients. It helps to hold space open for adult teeth when deciduous (baby) teeth are lost prematurely or normally. In most cases this appliance can prevent the need for extractions due to crowding.
Bite Buttons
Bite buttons are made from small amounts of plastic bonding material. They are placed behind the upper teeth to assist in opening a deep bite. In addition, they can be placed behind the bottom teeth to aid in jumping a tooth out of crossbite.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward and the upper molars to move backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly on young, growing children and is worn for about 12 months. It takes children approximately 4 days to adjust to this appliance.
Pendulum Appliance
The pendulum appliance is used in lieu of headgear on our older preteen and teenage patients. It gently pushes the upper molars backwards to create space for overly crowded teeth. Patients find it is very comfortable and will usually wear it for 3-4 months. After the required movement has been achieved a holding bar will be placed to maintain the correction for a few months.
Habit Appliance
A habit appliance is used to help patients who have difficulty stopping finger or thumb sucking habits. This appliance usually resolves the problem in days.
Miniscrews (TADs or Pins)
A miniscrew is a temporary device anchored to your dental bone to give the doctor 100% control of moving your teeth. They are only used in the toughest of situations when the doctor requires greater control of your braces. They have been routinely used in Korea and Japan for years, but have just recently (in 2003) gained acceptance in the United States. Because of this new technology, some patients who otherwise might have needed orthognathic (jaw) surgery or dental implants (to replace missing teeth) can be treated with braces alone without surgery.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (rubber bands) helps correct the bite of your upper and lower teeth by locking the teeth into a perfect alignment. It is important that the patient wears the elastics as prescribed to successfully complete their orthodontic treatment.
After braces, wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to maintaining your new smile. Clean retainers daily and store them safely to avoid damage or loss.
Daily Cleaning: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your retainer daily, preventing plaque buildup and maintaining oral hygiene.
Proper Storage: Always store your retainer in its case when not in use to avoid damage or loss.
Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular orthodontic check-ups to ensure your retainer fits well and your teeth remain in their correct positions.
Avoid Heat: Keep your retainer away from hot water or direct sunlight, as heat can warp the plastic.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your smile beautiful and healthy long after your braces are removed.
Join the Class One Orthodontics family today, and let's create a smile that's uniquely yours.
Class One Orthodontics is where smiles are masterfully crafted. As Worcester and Newton's premier orthodontic experts, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled care with a personal touch. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedication to our community, we're not just creating beautiful smiles – we're shaping the future of oral health with a warmth and expertise that's unmatched.
