Patient Instructions

1. Before Your Appointment

• Be sure to eat a light meal before your appointment.
• If you are taking any medications, be sure to bring them with you to your appointment.
• If you are having braces put on, be sure to avoid eating anything sticky or hard like candy, gum, or popcorn the day of your appointment.
• If you are having braces removed, avoid eating anything acidic like citrus fruits and juices the day of your appointment.

2. During Your Appointment

• Once you are in the exam room, the orthodontist will have a look at your teeth and take some x-rays.
• Then they will give you a diagnosis and discuss treatment options with you.
• You may also need to have impressions taken of your teeth so that the orthodontist can order your braces/orthodontic appliance.

3. After Your Appointment

• Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after your appointment.
• If you are having braces put on, be sure to follow the instructions for brushing and flossing given to you by the orthodontist.
• If you are having braces removed, continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal.

4. Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist

• How long will I need to wear my braces/orthodontic appliance?
• What are the side effects of wearing braces/orthodontic appliances?
• What foods should I avoid while wearing braces/orthodontic appliances?

5. Common Orthodontic Procedures

• Braces: Braces are metal wires that are attached to your teeth in order to straighten them out over time.
• Invisalign: Invisalign is a type of braces that uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal wires to straighten teeth.
• Retainers: Retainers are custom made devices that are worn after orthodontic treatment is completed in order to keep teeth from moving back into their original positions.

6. How to Care for Braces/Invisalign/Orthodontic Applicances

• Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after your appointment.
• If you are having braces put on, be sure to follow the instructions for brushing and flossing given to you by the orthodontist.
• If you are having braces removed, continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal.
• Keep your braces/orthodontic appliance clean and free of food debris. You can do this by brushing it with a toothbrush and water or using a cleaning agent prescribed by your orthodontist.

7. What to Expect During the Treatment Process

• The treatment process may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of your case.
• There may be some discomfort associated with wearing braces/orthodontic appliances, but it should go away over time.
• You will need to attend regular appointments with the orthodontist in order to ensure that your treatment is going as planned.