The Separator Appointment
Purpose: To create space for the orthodontic bands placed on the back molars. Tiny blue rings are placed between each tooth adjacent to the molars. This will help move the teeth slightly apart and are usually placed 7 to 14 days before the bands are fitted.
Discomfort: The molars are uncomfortable for a few days. Treat any discomfort with two tablets of Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Cleaning: Brush your teeth as usual, but do not floss the molar area.
Food to Avoid: Sticky, chewy and hard foods to avoid dislodging or pulling out separators.
Loss of: If you lose a separator please call the office to be replaced. The exception to the rule is if it is the day before your appointment.
The Banding, Bonding and Archwire Placement Appointment
Time: The appointment is scheduled during non-peak-hours, between 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The appointment is usually one and a half to two hours long.
Bands and Brackets: Bands and brackets are cemented at this appointment.
Archwires: A flexible wire will be placed at this appointment to minimize pain and discomfort and allow the patient to adjust as comfortably as possible to his or her new appliances.
Ligature: Elastic ties or ligatures will be used to attach the archwire to the brackets. Elastic ties come in an array of colors.
Adjustment Appointments
Time: The patient will be seen every six to eight weeks to adjust the appliances. The length of adjustment appointments varies from 20 to 40 minutes with the average time being 20 minutes.
Repair: Please call the office to notify our office of breakage. Repairs require more time on the schedule.