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’s instructions

Soreness is Normal

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Soreness is Normal *

Tenderness is a good sign: your teeth are moving! 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. The more you can use them the quicker the soreness goes away. Also, sometimes during treatment, your tongue or cheeks can become temporarily irritated. Tylenol or Advil (unless you’re allergic) or wax as a buffer should relieve the discomfort. It can also be soothing to rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water. However, if anything sharp creates unusual pain, or if sores develop that don’t heal, please contact us. (530-272-2373)

Eat Soft Foods

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.

Spend Extra Time Brushing

You have much more real estate to cover now that you have braces - 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.

Wear Elastics, Appliances and Retainers as Instructed

Your Part Matters!

Successful orthodontic treatment is a team effort! While we do our part to create your treatment plan and guide you along the way, patient cooperation is essential to staying on track.

Remember to:
*Wear your elastics exactly as instructed

*Wear your removable appliances as directed
*Wear your retainers as instructed after treatment
*Keep your scheduled appointments

Following these instructions helps keep treatment progressing right on schedule and, just as importantly, helps you maintain your beautiful results for years to come!

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

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Food Guidelines

Avoid foods that are hard, sticky or chewy and minimize sugar intake

Examples of foods to avoid: Bubble gum, caramels, taffy, hard candy, lollipops, gummy candy, fruit snacks, nuts, popcorn, pretzels, kettle chips, ice, bagels, pizza crust, french bread, corn on the cob, spareribs,

Raw fruits and vegetables must be cut up and chewed with the back teeth- you can’t bite into a whole apple.

Take meat off the bone like ribs or chicken before eating.

Avoiding sugary foods and carbonated drinks will help keep teeth healthy while in braces.

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 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 every 4-6 weeks 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 key factors:

    •Your specific condition

    •Your aesthetic concerns

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. 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.

    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.