Essentials

Benefits of Braces

Better appearance of teeth, smile and face
Improved self-esteem, confidence and feeling of acceptance
A more even bite
Easier to clean teeth
Better jaw alignment and function

Getting Started

Your initial consultation will include a complete review of your past medical and dental history.
You will be asked what you want to change about your smile and what questions do you have about braces.
Your orthodontist will do a detailed examination of your face, jaws and teeth.
Your orthodontist will explain any tests (x-rays, photos and impressions of the teeth) necessary to plan treatment.
Your orthodontist will try to answer the following questions: Can the problem be corrected? How much will itcost? How long will it take? When should it begin? What kind of appliance or device will be used? What does the patient do for treatment to succeed? What are the pros and cons of orthodontic care?
Your orthodontist will tailor treatment for you.
Your orthodontist will indicate any other dental care necessary before starting braces treatment.

What To Expect

Experiences similar to friends who have worn braces.
Mutual support from your true friends and your orthodontist’s helpers
Coordination of your care between your family dentist and orthodontist
Special instruction on how to clean your teeth with braces and often a prescription for a fluoride mouth rinse to protect the tooth surfaces.
Adjustment of your braces approximately every 4-12 weeks.
Mild tooth soreness during the first week in braces and after adjustment office visits.
A treatment time of 6-36 months depending on the complexity of treatment.
A period of retainer wear will follow removal of your braces
A discussion of the effect of wisdom teeth on the orthodontic result
The degree of success is almost always a reflection of a person’s cooperation during treatment and retention. Active patient participation is always essential for success.

Questions for your dentist

How long have you been practicing dentistry?
What is the role of the orthodontist?
Did you study orthodontics after dental school? Was it part of your academic training or a workshop?
Has your staff had orthodontic training?
How many orthodontics cases do you see each week?
Do you treat all orthodontics cases, or just the simple cases?
Which cases do you refer to orthodontists?
Have orthodontists finished work you have started?
Are you a member of the South African Society of Orthodontists?
Would you have an objection to me seeking a second opinion from an orthodontist?

Questions for your Orthodontist

What is the role of the orthodontist?
Do you have a 3-4 year advanced degree in orthodontics?
How many cases do you see each week?
Do you treat all orthodontics cases, even the most complex?
Are you trained in oral surgery and other specialised treatments?
How many orthodontic patients you have treated?
Are you a member of the South African Society of Orthodontists?
How do you handle a relapse after treatment?
Do you extract teeth as part of your treatment plan? Why?
What about my wisdom teeth... do they have to be removed?

Choosing An Orthodontist

Personal recommendation from a friend or your family dentist.
An orthodontist located geographically close to your home, school or employer.
An orthodontist who is a Member of the South African Society of Orthodontists. Their members are required to have a minimum of three years of full time additional university training exclusively in orthodontics after receiving their dental degree and must be registered as a specialist with the HPC(SA). This association furnishes a list of members in your area - please make use of our "Find an Orthodontist" feature on this website.

Preserving Your Smile

Floss once a day
Brush after meals with a fluoride toothpaste
Minimize foods loaded with sugar which is a key ingredient in white spot and cavity formation
Have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned by your family dentist at least once a year
Wear a mouth guard during contact sports
Wear your retainer after your braces are removed to keep your teeth from moving out of alignment.

New Techniques

Space age low force wires that remember their original shape allowing teeth to move faster without kinking.
Clear tooth colored braces and gold braces.
Braces glued to teeth with adhesives that contain cavity fighting fluoride
Computer video imaging which allows you to see a video picture prediction of your possible treatment result
Combined treatment of orthodontics and surgery for abnormalities that are beyond the capabilities of orthodontics alone

First Aid

If a rubber spacer fall out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Then pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer and slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs.
When the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer should now be back in place.
If a wire is causing irritation. try pushing the wire away from the area being irritated using the eraser end of a pencil or the blunt side of a spoon. If the wire cannot be tucked in, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum, until you can see your orthodontist for a adjustment. Cutting the wire should only be done as a last resort if professional help is unavailable.
If your teeth are sore after a monthly visit at your orthodontist, take aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofin unless you are allergic to them. Rinsing your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water can also be soothing. If you teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, give your orthodontist a call because it is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.
If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. It sometimes helps to tie a small knot in the middle of the floss and then slide the floss back and forth through the food mass.
If a piece of your appliance breaks, save the piece and call your orthodontist to schedule a repair visit.
If you swallow a piece of your appliances, try to remain calm. A swallowed piece will usually go either into the stomach or the lungs. Most of the time it will go in the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the position of the swallowed piece and your physicians will counsel you on your options concerning retrieval of the stray piece.
If a retainer cracks, bring it to your orthodontist for a professional repair.
If a permanent tooth get loose, call your orthodontist to discuss the movement. A little movement is normal when wearing braces, but if a tooth can be pushed upward towards the gums with just finger pressure, that is unusual