Braces Owner's Manual - General Information About Braces

Braces have been in use for over 100 years to correct the appearance and the fit of the teeth.
Recent advances include tooth-colored brackets and superelastic wires. Overall, braces have always worked on the same principal. Pressure is applied to the teeth and the teeth move to relieve the pressure.

Brackets are essentially glued to the teeth in the same way that tooth-colored fillings are placed.

Bands are placed around the molar teeth to provide secure anchors.

A wire pre-formed to an ideal alignment of teeth is secured into the brackets with the elastomeric O-rings. The pressure of the wire moving to its ideal shape causes the teeth to move along with it. As treatment progresses, stiffer and stronger wires can be placed and bends made in these wires to continue aligning and fitting the teeth.

Usually, elastic separators (spacers) are placed about a week before the placement of the molar bands. These separators create room for the thickness of the metal band that will go around the molar tooth. Usually the separators cause discomfort starting about 3 hours after placement. The discomfort increases over the next 48 hours then decreases significantly until subsiding completely. Ibuprofen (Motrin) has been shown to be effective for most people, especially if taken before the discomfort starts and continued over the next couple of days.

After the braces have been placed, the first few days are marked by discomfort as the teeth react to the pressure from the wire. Once again, Ibuprofen may be helpful. Also, the lips, cheeks, and tongue may develop sore spots from rubbing against the braces. Orthodontic wax can be used to smooth rough areas until the tissues of the mouth toughen.

The general instructions given out in our office can be found here.