All orthodontic appliances (brackets/braces, bands, expanders, appliances) are designed, verified for proper fit, and delivered by Dr. Papandreas. Orthodontic appliances are fragile.
Glue must be strong enough to allow movement of teeth, but not so strong as to break enamel upon removal. Hence the bite and many foods are significantly stronger than the glue used to place orthodontic appliances. The obvious cause of broken appliances is hard foods but this is not always from a ‘one time’ bite into something too hard. Eating ‘borderline hard’ foods will cause a slow cracking of the glue over time until the appliance appears to ‘fall off’. Braces are especially fragile the day they are placed since the glue is not fully dry…be particularly careful on this day with super soft foods only.
The lower braces are also subject to the unconscious biting down upon them. Even with no food in the mouth despite a patient’s best attempts lower braces can break if you clench during the day, grind at night, or sneeze hard and ‘smash’ the teeth together! This same clenching will flex the enamel and micro-fracture glue in turn causing failure of upper and lower appliances for no apparent reason when eating soft food.
The solution…each patient must still try their best to minimize breakage. Appliances are costly to repair. After multiple broken appliances a nominal charge will begin for each repair visit as this is not part of your stated fee. Although this nominal charge does not begin to cover the value of set-up and material costs when repairing appliances, Dr. Papandreas realizes the frustration of added costs and will minimize these. Do not throw broken braces/appliances away; always bring them to your next visit!
Not all broken orthodontic appliances require immediate repair. Anytime an appliance breaks please call the office to set a visit, we will assess whether an immediate repair is indicated. If the broken appliance is not affecting work currently being conducted by Dr. Papandreas, appointments already in place will remain so that overall progress is not compromised. This will also minimize your need to be here for the longer daytime appointments for brace/appliance application and repair. Our preference is to repair broken items on the spot for your convenience but can only do so if it does not affect regularly scheduled patients for the day.
We are here to help … the above information is being provided to better educate you about your orthodontic appliances and how we help you manage them. Together we will achieve the best in orthodontic care for you!
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Papandreas Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a specialist evaluate every adult, and all children no later than the age of 7. Although treatment for kids rarely begins at age 7 the early detection of impending problems always leads to a simpler, less expensive future solution via proper timing. Dr. Papandreas provides the initial consultation with records and follow-up observations at no charge to all kids and adults. No referral is necessary for you or your child (you can also share this info with a friend); CLICK HERE to set a visit now. Do not hesitate pursuing this evaluation regardless of perception that ‘all is ok’, as many problems are not easily identifiable except by the Certified Orthodontic Specialist©.