Patient Education

Orthodontics can create a lot of changes in your life, which is why Dr. James B. Macomson and our team keep important information about braces online. We help patients understand the changes they may experience when wearing braces and how to properly care for them. Call our orthodontist in Gastonia, North Carolina, if you want to learn more about the patient education pages listed below:

• Braces Hygiene

• Common Orthodontic Problems

• Orthodontic Emergency Care

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Braces hygiene

You can keep your braces and teeth clean by learning about braces hygiene. Our orthodontist offers this information in order to make your treatment more comfortable by helping your teeth stay strong and healthy. Contact Dr. James B. Macomson if you want to learn more about braces hygiene in Gastonia, North Carolina.

While you are wearing braces (as at any time), it is essential that you maintain good oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene may be a bit more difficult with braces, but it is important that you take good care of your smile so you can prevent dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease and demineralization. If left untreated, these problems can cause more serious oral health issues and even prolong your orthodontic treatment.

To keep your smile healthy while you have braces, our orthodontist and team encourage you to follow these guidelines:

• Brush your teeth at least three times every day. Brush after every meal, and if you eat a sugary snack in between meals, it is best to brush again.

• Use an interproximal brush to help clean around the brackets and wires. It can help to clean spots that your toothbrush might have a hard time reaching because of your braces.

• Floss at least once every day. Using a floss threader can make it easier to thread the floss behind the wire of your braces.

• Rinse your teeth with water every time you clean your teeth. Based on your specific needs, we may also recommend a specialized rinse.

• Pay attention to the list of foods to avoid with braces. This can help to keep your smile healthy and avoid damage to your braces.

If you would like more information about how to maintain good oral hygiene with braces, we invite you to contact our office today. We are eager to speak with you.

common orthodontic problems

We want your braces treatment to be as comfortable as possible, which is why Dr. James B. Macomson and our team help you prepare for some common orthodontic problems. When you understand the changes you may experience with braces, then you are able to more easily work with them. Please call our orthodontist in Gastonia, North Carolina, if you have questions about common orthodontic problems.

We are committed to treating all of your orthodontic problems so you can achieve a smile that is straighter, healthier, more functional, and more attractive. Some of the most common orthodontic problems we see at our office include the following:

Crowding
Simply not enough space to accommodate the teeth.
(Watch Video)

Overbite
In an overbite, the upper front teeth extend down and over the lower front teeth. This sometimes causes the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
(Watch Video)

Spacing
With proper alignment and functionality, no spaces should exist between normal teeth. However, due to several factors, spaced or “gapped” teeth are often present.
(Watch Video)

Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends out, resulting in the lower front teeth sitting in front of the upper front teeth.
(Watch Video)

Open Bite
An open bite is characterized by upper and lower front teeth that do not overlap. This often causes problems with proper chewing, and it may also contribute to other unwanted habits like tongue thrusting.
(Watch Video)

Crossbite
In a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth or vice versa. This may result in tooth wear or TMJ problems and misaligned jaw growth.
(Watch Video)

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
In this type of bite, the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower front teeth do not extend far enough forward. This can impact both the appearance and function of the teeth.
(Watch Video)

Other Problems Requiring Orthodontics
Trauma, TMJ issues, missing teeth and genetic (inherited) defects (i.e. Cleft lip & palate) problems that require orthodontic treatment.

orthodontic emergency care

If you have an accident or damage your braces, then we ask you to call our office for orthodontic emergency care. Many times the emergency can be solved over the phone. Always Call First! We will make your appointment a priority in order to quickly relieve discomfort and get your straightening treatment back on track. Contact our orthodontist and team if you need to receive orthodontic emergency care in Gastonia, North Carolina.

If you experience an orthodontic emergency, such as a broken or lost appliance, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled soon, please call us immediately to let us know that you need an appliance repaired. We will also be able to provide you with any needed instructions on what to do until you can come to see our orthodontist.

Loose Brackets or Bands

If a bracket, band or wire is loosened, please call our office immediately; the brackets may need to be refitted. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, we recommend using fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. You may also need to slide a bracket off at night or over a weekend before you are able to come to our office. Please call our office on the next business day so we can schedule an appointment for you.

Poking Wires or Wire Irritations

If the wire is irritating your cheeks or gums, you can move it away from the irritated area by using a cotton swab or eraser. If you cannot move the wire, cover the end of it with a small piece of cotton or wax to relieve irritation. If the wire is still painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you need to cut the wire or cannot resolve the wire irritation, call us for an appointment.

Lost Separators

Many patients lose a separator over the course of their treatment. If you lose a separator, call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort With Braces and Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week after your braces are placed and after routine adjustments, you may feel some soreness or discomfort. This is normal, and you do not need to worry. You may want to take acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever if your teeth are sore after adjustment appointments. You may also wish to use a warm washcloth or heating pad to reduce soreness in the jaws.

If you experience these or any other types of orthodontic emergencies, we encourage you to call our friendly orthodontist and team as soon as possible. We are here to provide the care you need!