Palatal Expander
When you have your expander cemented into place, there
are some basic instructions that we would like you to remember:
1. There are some foods that you need to avoid. These foods
include anything that is sticky, hard or brittle. Some examples
are chewing gum of any kind, caramels, taffy, ice, hard pretzels,
and hard candy. Apples and carrots are both fine, but please
cut the apples into halves or quarters and the carrots into
sticks before eating them.
2. The braces that are used as part of your expander are
not sharp, but they certainly are not as smooth as the surface
of your teeth. Therefore you may go through a period of time
when your lips and cheeks become irritated. If they do, we
would recommend that you use wax to help “cushion" your
cheeks from the braces. Pinch off a small piece of wax and
flatten it between your fingertips. Apply the wax to the
part of the braces that is bothersome. If you "mold" the
wax around the area, it will stick to the brace and make
you more comfortable. Be sure that you remove the wax before
you brush and then reapply it, if necessary.
3. Dr. Haltom will tell you how often to activate your appliance.
The best time to do this is usually in the morning or at
night. The turning instructions are as follows:
- Place the key firmly into the hole in the front of/the
appliance.
- Push the key toward the back of the mouth until
the key will go no farther and the next hole appears in
the front of the appliance.
- Remove the key by pulling straight
down, not forward.
- If you accidentally remove the key
before the next hole appears, you will have to reinsert
the key from the back of the appliance and push it further
backwards. If you are not able to find the hole, please
call our office.
4. You may notice a difference
in your speech the first few days after your appliance is
cemented. The more you speak, the faster you will become accustomed
to the appliance; and the faster your speech will become normal
again.
5. You may have more saliva than usual for the first few days.
This is also normal and will soon disappear.
6. Keeping your expander clean is very important. You can
brush the appliance when you brush your teeth. Please remember
to brush the portion that goes across your palate.
7. Your expander is designed to widen your upper arch. As
a result, you will notice a space between your two front
teeth. Do not be concerned. This space will be present
only for a short time.
8. In the beginning, the appliance may make your teeth
a little sensitive and sore because of the pressure involved
in expanding the palate. If you feel a little uncomfortable,
we would suggest that you take whatever medication you
would normally take for a headache.
Retainers
 The retainer is a removable appliance carefully designed for
your teeth. It is important that it be worn properly.
1. Follow closely the instructions that you have been given
on how to take the retainer in and out of your mouth.
2. Wear the retainer at all times (excluding mealtimes) unless
you have been specifically instructed otherwise. Remove the
retainer when brushing.
3. The plastic taste of the new appliance will disappear
soon.
4. You may notice a difference in your speech at first. However,
in two or three days, your speech will become more normal
with the appliance in place.
5. Your new retainer may make your teeth sore for a day or
two. After an adjustment you may experience discomfort. If
you have a localized sore spot after three or four days,
call the office so that an adjustment can be made.
6. Avoid flipping the retainer with your tongue. This can
cause damage to your teeth.
7. Clean your retainer by brushing it with toothpaste and/or
by using mouth wash or denture cleaner. If you are wearing
a lower fixed retainer, be extra careful to brush the wire
and behind the lower teeth.
8. Always store the retainer in its case. Never wrap the
retainer in a paper napkin or tissue.
9. Always bring your retainer to each appointment.
10. Additional charges will be made for lost or broken retainers,
or a retainer that does not fit because of insufficient wear
or negligence.
Elastics
What Are Elastics? Quite simply, elastics are special "rubber
bands." They are used along with your braces to help produce
a gradual movement of your teeth.
Are They Important? Yes! Elastics are designed to help insure
proper movement and alignment of your teeth. That's why it's
important to wear your elastics 24 hours a day, everyday (unless
instructed otherwise).
May I take Them Off? It's best to keep elastics on all of
the time. Remove them only to brush your teeth; to change your
elastics; or, if absolutely necessary, to eat a meal. They
should be in place when you eat a snack, play, and sleep. We
cannot stress enough the importance of wearing your elastics
faithfully. If you wear them one day and leave them off the
next, your teeth can set up a resistance that slows or stops
your progress. Even though you may feel some discomfort at
first, if you wear the elastics as directed, that feeling will
go away in a few days.
Cooperation Equals Results. Proper
wearing of your elastics will help us give you the best possible
treatment in the shortest amount of time.
Just Let Us Know! Good
communication is the key to successful treatment. Therefore,
it's very important that you fully understand how your elastics
should be worn. If you have any questions, or if you find that
your supply of elastics is running low, just give us a call.
Spacers
 What Are Spacers? Spacers are small doughnut-shaped elastic
rings. They are placed between your teeth to create sufficient
space to properly and comfortably fit your braces.
How Will They Feel? At first, they may feel like pieces of
food stuck between your teeth. That sensation will go away
in a few days.
Will They Hurt? Your teeth may become sensitive. However,
this will only last a few days. Any discomfort can be relieved
with whatever medication you would take for a headache.
How Will I Eat? No problem! You can eat normally. Just be
sure to avoid chewy or sticky foods. Also, never remove your
spacers once they are in place.
What About Brushing? It's always important to brush your teeth.
Even with the spacers in place, you need to continue brushing
as usual. You may also floss anywhere the spacers are not placed.
What If I Lose Them? Should you happen to lose one or two,
don't worry, this just means sufficient space is now available
for the braces.
How Long Will I Need Them? You will need them only long enough
to create ample space for your braces. Under most circumstances,
you should need them only for a week.
Space Maintainer
The Space Maintainer is a special appliance recommended to
preserve the space when primary (baby) teeth have been extracted
or lost prematurely. This appliance prevents the permanent
teeth, which are present, from drifting into the space "reserved" for
the un-erupted teeth.
The appliance is made according to Dr. Haltom’s prescription
using bands, which are carefully fitted on the back molars
and special wire contoured to the exact shape of the patient's
dental form. It is cemented to the molars and stays in place
until the remaining permanent teeth erupt.
A second phase of treatment with full braces may be recommended
at a later age when all of the permanent teeth are present.
Successful early treatment with a Space Maintainer can be beneficial
in reducing the severity of a developing orthodontic problem.
This creates a better framework for the finishing treatment
and a more stable final result.
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