Patient Education

with Dr. Sheridan

How to make the most of your braces:

[eat soft foods]

[brush thoroughly]

[inspect your teeth weekly]

&

[listen to Dr. Sheridan]

As your teeth begin to move, they are likely to feel sore for several days. As the braces are activated at each visit, the pressure created will add some mild tenderness. Also, sometimes during treatment, your tongue or cheeks can become temporarily irritated. Tylenol or Advil or wax as a buffer should relieve the discomfort. However, if anything sharp creates unusual pain, or if sores develop that don’t heal, please contact us. (530-272-2373)

Soreness is good:

Always use common sense when choosing foods during treatment. Remember the braces are made to “give up” if there is too much pressure placed on them (we have to remove them when you are finished). It’s important to avoid hard, chewy and sticky foods that might break your brackets or wires (see food guidelines below). Also, remember that by nourishing yourself, you’ll promote bone growth and gum health, and you’ll protect tooth enamel from cavities. It is important to continue to provide your body with proteins even if soft carbs are a portion of your diet, remember to incorporate soft proteins such as scrambled eggs, soft cooked beans, protein drinks and ground meats. Gently using those teeth speeds up your movement and eliminates the soreness.

Eat soft:

You have much more real estate to cover now that you have braces - scrupulous dental hygiene is an essential aspect of your treatment, because braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Food easily compacts inside the brackets and between your teeth.

If you don’t pay attention, plaque can form on your teeth – causing decay, gum disease or permanent white discolorations.

Brushing is best:

*If anything sharp creates unusual pain, or if sores develop that don’t heal, please contact us.

What to Expect

  • Dr. Sheridan will perform a complimentary examination of your teeth and jaws, and the recommend appropriate treatment and fees. Records will then need to be gathered to confirm the issues and check for any additional care that may need to be considered.

    Braces may be clear or metal, and are either removable or bonded to your teeth in a fixed position. By applying constant, gentle force in a precise direction, these appliances slowly modify your jaw structure or move your teeth to a desired position within their supporting bone. During treatment, you’ll need to visit Dr. Sheridan monthly for progress checks and routine adjustments.

  • Every patient is unique. You may need to wear braces for only 6 months, or as long 30 months. It depends on your age, the severity of your problem, your body’s responsiveness to corrective devices, and your willingness to follow instructions.

  • Today’s technology isn’t considered painful because it’s designed to minimize discomfort. However, when braces are applied or adjusted, your teeth may feel a bit sore or tender for a few days. Also, the inside of your mouth may be irritated for a week or two, as your lips, cheeks and tongue become familiar with the surfaces on your braces. Advil or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever can help you feel your best as your body adapts.

  • Thanks to advanced technology, braces are less visible and more efficient than ever. Dr. Sheridan is proficient in the latest techniques, such as “clear” ceramic braces and Invisalign® plastic removable aligners. She’ll recommend a system for you based on three key factors:

    •Your specific problem

    •Your aesthetic concerns

    •Your budget

Special Care

Success depends deeply on your cooperation. Damaged appliances or poor dental hygiene can increase the cost and duration of treatment and jeopardize your results.

You should:

  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that might harm braces

  • Carefully clean your teeth and floss daily

  • Attend all scheduled maintenance appointments

  • Never forget to wear rubber bands or other appliances as instructed

Also, it’s important to continue visiting your regular dentist to be sure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment.

Dr. Sheridan creates your treatment based on your individual dental issues and desires. Her goal is to align your teeth, lips and jaws, so your facial structure functions properly and looks balanced. Her personalized art form is recognizable as a SHERIDAN SMILE.

Dr. Sheridan takes great care in analyzing both your visible facial attributes as well as the underlying supporting structure.

This analysis includes your “smile line”, dark corridors when you smile, spacing between teeth, dental crowding as well as your tooth size and shape.

Braces Systems

Comfortable Effective Affordable

  • Our “Speed” brackets have an innovative approach which has customized angulations built into the bracket mechanism which creates the Sheridan Smile. Therefore, your teeth move more quickly, precisely and comfortably than is possible with traditional methods. Also, because these braces are more efficient, fewer adjustments are needed during the course of treatment and the treatment is shorter. The braces can be metal or clear and can be decorated with colors at each visit.

  • This treatment option straightens your teeth with a series of clear, smooth and comfortable aligners. The aligners are made of strong plastic, molded precisely to fit your mouth. Because they are removable, you can eat whatever you want. Adults and teens find the Invisalign treatment very appealing because the aligners are barely visible.

  • Dr. Sheridan is likely to advise you to wear your removable retainer for as many hours as possible in the first few months after removing your braces. Removable retainers are available in two types: Hawley and Essix.

    Permanent or bonded retainers consist of a wire that fits along the new curve of your teeth. Cement is used to bond the wire to the teeth. These retainers remain on the teeth for several years, and they can only be removed by your orthodontist.