Appliances
Herbst
One of the most common orthodontic problems is a discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws, specifically the lower jaw does not grow forward as much as it should. Dr. Ingraham treats this condition with the Herbst appliance, which encourages the lower jaw to catch up in growth with the upper jaw.
At first, the Herbst appliance may make your mouth feel too full, your speech may be affected and you may salivate more than normal. These sensations will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance. Reading aloud will help your speech return to normal quicker.
Your lower jaw won't be able to move backward while you're wearing your appliance, but you'll still be able to open and close your mouth normally. Your chewing may be affected, but you'll adjust as times passes and you become accustomed to your appliance.
Just as you would if you were wearing braces, you'll need to be careful in your choice of foods. You'll need to stay away from ...
- Hard foods – could bend or loosen your appliance
- Sticky foods – may pull your appliance loose
- Cold foods – may freeze the cement and cause the appliance to come loose
Elastics
Elastics are rubber bands used to connect your upper and lower braces in order to affect tooth movement in directions that braces alone can't. They're a very important part of your orthodontic appliance, and therefore, you need to follow our wear instructions carefully.
For elastics to do the job we want them to do, you must wear them as near to 24 hours a day as you can, every day. You can't just wear them at night. This is essential! Forgetting to wear your elastics for just one day may undo all the positive movement you've accomplished in the last two days. However, if you forget them for a day, don't double up the next day. Always simply follow our instructions for wear.
Always make sure you're wearing good, strong elastics and that you change them as instructed. If you wear them too long, they'll wear out and lose their elasticity, which means they won't provide the proper tension on your teeth and jaws.
You may take your elastics off to eat and brush your teeth. We suggest you put them on your finger when you do this, so you'll remember to replace them right away. Even better, if you eat with your elastics on, your treatment may be finished sooner.
Your teeth may be sore for a few days when you first begin wearing elastics. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol, will help until the sensation disappears.
If your elastics break frequently or a wire or band becomes loose, call us for instructions. Don't wait until your next appointment. Not correcting a problem with elastics or appliances could lead to a delay in your treatment.
Before you leave our office, make sure you understand how to wear your elastics and be sure you take a supply with you. Keep spares in your car, pocket, backpack or purse so you won't run out.
Expansion Appliances
An expansion appliance is normally fitted in order to expand your child's upper jaw in order to make more room for her/his teeth. An expander is different from braces in the effect it is meant to achieve. Braces move the teeth, but an expander gently separates and widens the two parts of the upper jaw. Once this is accomplished, new bone will fill the space and maintain the increased width. This may be necessary to achieve a better bite and/or to ease breathing difficulties.
Dr. Ingraham will talk to you about the need for this device and give you instructions on how to adjust it or help your child adjust it. Once the device has been put in place, you will have to check it every day and turn the screw as instructed. The best way to accomplish this is ...
- Have the patient lie on a bed or couch and open his/her mouth wide.
- Carefully insert the key into the hold in the middle of the appliance.
- Gently, steadily push the key from the front toward the back of your child's mouth. Don't back it up. When you can see the next screw hole, you've turned it enough.
For most patients, this isn't painful. The pressure may cause a tingling sensation or tooth sensitivity, but this should only last about five minutes.
For treatment to be completed properly and on time, it's your responsibility to ...
- Turn or confirm turning of the screw as Dr. Ingraham has instructed. Keep a regular schedule for turning; don't rush or delay.
- Closely follow our instructions and schedule.
- Ensure that the expander is thoroughly cleaned during brushing and flossing. This may be easier if your child uses an oral irrigation device such as a Water Pik.
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, such as retainers, are designed to move your teeth or to maintain the movement that has already been accomplished.
It's important that you ...
- Follow our instructions for wearing your appliance. Wear it as you’ve been instructed at all times, even while sleeping. In most cases, you'll be able to remove it to eat, swim or play sports.
- If your appliance is affecting your speech, give it two or three days. Your speech will return to normal.
- Always bring your appliance with you to appointments.
- Don't play with your appliance your tongue, fingers or otherwise. You might damage or break it.
- Your teeth may be sensitive or sore for a few days after an adjustment. If your gums develop a sore spot, call our office so we can adjust the appliance.
- Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. You may also use a dental cleaner such as Efferdent for a more thorough cleaning. If your appliance isn't removable, be sure to clean it and around it every day.
- Floss every day.
- Always put your removable appliance in its carrying case when you're not wearing it. Never wrap it in a napkin or tissue where it might be forgotten and thrown away.
- Keep your appliance away from pets.
- Never store your appliance near a heat source or in the sun.
- Don't use bleach on your appliance. If you need extra cleaning, we'll be happy to disinfect it for you.
- Remember: The time required to replace or repair a lost or broken appliance may delay your treatment. There will be an additional charge a replacement or repair.