Turner Orthodontics

Regular Dental Checks

All orthodontic patients should have their teeth cleaned and checked by their general dentist regularly. We suggest that every patient schedule their visits on a 3-6 month basis to help prevent gum problems and decalcification (white spots) on their teeth.

Please call your dentist to schedule this appointment. If he/she needs to have the archwires removed, please have your dentist's office call us (797-5460) to coordinate appointments. Dr. Turner prefers to have the archwires replaced within 24 hours.

Retainer Instructions

When you enter the retention phase of your treatment this is just as important as the active phase of treatment.

Retainers are to be worn 24 Hours/Day for the first 3 months - then 14 Hours/Day for the following 3 months and then 8 Hours/Day.
You may take your retainer out of your mouth when eating meals but may need to leave in place when snacking.
DO NOT place your retainer in a napkin (or on a lunch tray) as this is how many retainers are lost (there is a replacement fee for new retainers).
When retainer is out of your mouth, DO place it in your retainer case so it is easy to find, and discourages damage by pets.
DO NOT PLAY with your retainer. Simply leave it in place or you may end up with a loose or broken retainer.
Brush your retainer once a day with toothpaste. It is important to make sure your retainer is kept clean and bacteria free.
If you have a bonded retainer, be sure to floss under the wire. Floss threaders or super floss can help with this.

Retainers are designed to keep (retain) the results of your treatment. You've got a great smile, let's make sure you keep it!

Bite Plane Instructions

Bite Planes are to be worn 24 Hours/Day. This appliance should be worn while eating and sleeping. The bite plane is to be taken out when brushing your teeth.
DO NOT PLAY with your bite plane. Simply leave it in place or you may end up with a loose or broken bite plane (there is a replacement fee for lost or broken bite planes).
Brush your bite plane once a day with toothpaste. This will help to keep your appliance bacteria free!

Following these instructions will help in finishing your treatment on schedule.

Broken Brackets

Should a Bracket come off, please call to schedule an appointment to have it recemented. We do not have time at your regularly scheduled appointment to do a wire change and recement a broken bracket.
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods (such as gum, caramel, toffee, ice, nuts, lollypops, tortilla chips etc.) will cause brackets to come off.
Excessive damage to your braces (such as broken brackets) will prolong treatment.