Please read this carefully, it was designed to provide you with Important Information to answer some of your questions, and to explain Orthodontic procedures.

Extra good care of the mouth is necessary during treatment. Appliances are very delicate (although strong enough to do their jobs) and they will not stand undue abuse or neglect.

Keep your bands and teeth EXTRA CLEAN. Extra care must be taken in the area between the gums and appliances. We call this area the "danger zone." Food that collects around your bands and wires can cause stains and cavities as well as unpleasant odors. Be sure to keep your teeth clean. Only you can take care of them.

FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR CONTENT Avoid foods high In sugar content whenever possible. If you do eat them, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.

Whole fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots should be sliced and eaten carefully. Hard crusty breads should be broken and eaten in small bites. Keep pencils, fingernails, instruments, etc. out of your mouth. Do not suck on lemons or limes (pure lemon juices can hurt your tooth enamel).

If you follow these Instructions, everything should go on schedule. So remember to treat your appliances with care - It will help us achieve the best results possible.

Your First Days In Treatment

General Soreness - There might be a general soreness in the mouth. This can be relieved by rinsing the mouth with a warm salt-water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for a headache or similar pain. The soreness should end by the third or fourth day. Recent studies have shown reduced soreness if you take advil 1 hour before your adjustment appointments.

Loosening of the Teeth - This is to be expected throughout treatment. It Is normal so do not be upset. The teeth will again become rigidly fixed in their new positions. Teeth must first loosen to be moved.

Athletics - If you take part in athletics, it is important that you consult us for special precautions.

Loose Wire or Band - If a wire or band comes loose do not be alarmed. This happens occasionally. If the wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of a spoon or eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply, get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continue, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to your next appointment. Please telephone our office as soon as possible for an appointment to check or repair the appliance. Even if it is the same day as your appointment, please call or leave a message. This allows us to plan and schedule enough time to repair the appliance. If we are not notified, it may not be possible to repair the broken appliance.

Emergency Appointments - As a general rule, an emergency appointment may be made when there is severe pain, a loose band, or broken wire, or something sticking out that you cannot take care of. It is important to know the names of the parts of your appliances. It will help, when you phone the office, to be able to identify what part is broken or out of place.

Cooperation - Success of treatment depends upon cooperation between you, Dr. Sammons, and his staff. You can be a happy patient so much more easily than . . . . "that of the other kind!" First, we are always glad to see you. Your interest and cooperation makes our job a pleasant one. If you do the following things faithfully, your treatment will be a rewarding one. Here are some easy steps in cooperation:

1. Keep your appointments as they are scheduled. If there is a problem, call early instead of waiting until your appointment day so we can reappoint you a new day and not delay your progress.
2. Follow all instructions, brush as we show you. Wear appliances exactly as told and avoid those harmful foods on your NO NO LIST!!!

We will spend very little time telling you about the unhappy patient. His record is a sad string of broken appointments, and broken appliances. It does not take long for this patient to see his teeth are not moving on schedule.

Always SMILE and be PROUD of your appliances. After all, it shows the world you take good care of yourself!!!!