Orthodontic treatment will take some sacrifices on your part, but it shouldn't change your lifestyle too much. Some activities may have to be toned down but may not have to be eliminated completely.

Keeping your teeth healthy and clean during the course of orthodontic treatment will help prevent or minimize tooth decay, reduce damage to your appliance, and increase the effectiveness of orthodontic therapy.

Dental emergencies while undergoing orthodontic treatment fall into two categories: direct injuries to the face, mouth, or teeth and emergencies that involve your orthodontic appliance.

Orthodontists attach braces to your teeth with a small amount of cement. The cement is designed to hold the brackets and bands firm against the teeth during the course of treatment.

If your orthodontic appliance breaks or becomes dislodged during your treatment, contact your orthodontist immediately to schedule an appointment. If a wire causes irritation, try pushing it away from the area being irritated using the eraser end of a pencil or the blunt edge of a spoon.

When you begin orthodontic treatment, separators are put between teeth to make room for the later attachment of bands. The placement of separators usually will cause some pain, as will the placement of the bands and brackets when your braces are first put on.