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You’ve taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful appearance by getting braces at Meade Orthodontics, and you’re probably wondering what comes next. The first week is the period of biggest adjustment, and there’s a lot to learn in this short time. Don’t worry; in a few short days your braces will feel completely natural.

The first week

On the first day, your braces will probably feel very odd in your mouth; it will take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or pain. If you are going to experience any pain, the second and third days are when it will happen. Most pain can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol.

What about sore spots?

Your cheeks and tongue are getting used to your new braces, just like your teeth are. You may develop sore spots where this soft tissue rubs against the harsh metal of your braces. The best way to avoid this and allow your mouth to heal is by covering the metal spot with orthodontic wax. Break off a small piece and roll it into a ball in your hands. Dry the metal of the braces with a cotton swab, then wrap the wax around the sharp spot to create a cushion.

What if they break?

Braces are held onto your teeth with special orthodontic glue. Once in a great while, part of your appliance may come loose from the surface of a tooth. This won’t harm anything; it will just be slightly inconvenient. Call our office right away and we will be able to glue the bracket back on.

Make sure you avoid hard items such as ice, brittle, and other hard candies, and don’t open packages with your teeth. These habits can contribute to braces popping off. Even fairly innocent-sounding items like popcorn or French bread can be a culprit, so avoid eating any hard foods, or cut them up into small pieces before consuming.

If you have questions about which foods to eat and avoid, or if your braces are more sore than expected, feel free to contact our Ypsilanti, MI office and ask Dr. Betsy Meade and our team. We’re more than happy to help!

Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of the country and its independence on the Fourth of July. There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends. For some people, July 4th is synonymous with baseball, while for others it is all about the beach of barbecues. However you celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is visible everywhere throughout the area.

The Beginnings of Fourth of July Celebrations

Although it wasn't officially designated as a federal holiday until 1941, the actual tradition of celebrating Independence Day goes back to the time of the American Revolution (1775 – 1783). At the time of the American Revolution, representatives from the 13 colonies penned the resolution that ultimately declared their independence from Great Britain. The continental congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2nd of 1776. Two days later, Thomas Jefferson's famous document that is now known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted by delegates representing the 13 colonies.

First States to Recognize the Fourth of July

In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state (or commonwealth) whose legislature resolved to designate July 4th as the date on which to celebrate the country's independence. Two years later, Boston became the first city to make an official designation to honor the country's birth with a holiday on July 4th. In that same year, North Carolina's governor, Alexander Martin, became the first governor to issue an official state order stipulating that July 4th was the day on which North Carolinians would celebrate the country's independence.

Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

• The reason the stars on the original flag were arranged in a circle is because it was believed that would indicate that all of the colonies were equal.
• Americans eat over 150 million hot dogs on July 4th.
• Imports of fireworks each year totals over $211 million.
• The first “official” Fourth of July party took place at the White House in 1801.
• Benjamin Franklin didn't want the national bird to be the bald eagle. He believed that the turkey was better suited to the coveted distinction. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him, and he was outvoted, so the bald eagle became the official bird of the United States.

For many, the tradition is something entirely different. Along the coastal areas of the United States, people may haul out huge pots to have lobster or other types of seafood boils. Others may spend the day in the bleachers at a baseball game, or at a park, cooking a great traditional meal over an open fire. No matter how or where you celebrate, one thing is certain: all Americans celebrate July 4th as the birth and independence of our country.

Dr. Betsy Meade and our team at Meade Orthodontics wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Your retainer is an essential tool in keeping your teeth and bite beautifully aligned after orthodontic treatment. But sometimes, that hardworking tool needs some TLC of its own. Read on to learn how to keep your retainer its sparkling, healthy best!

Retainer buildup

You might notice after a few months of use that your retainer is stained with white spots or a discolored film. Or that there are gritty patches on its smooth surface. Or you might suddenly notice an unpleasant odor.

If you’re wondering what’s happened to your once-gleaming retainer, let’s break down the sources of these stains, deposits, and odors.

• Plaque is a mix of food particles, bacteria, and saliva which sticks to tooth enamel. If it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar. And, just like plaque and tartar stick to your enamel, plaque and tartar can transfer from the teeth and stick to your retainer, leaving white spots or a discolored film.
• Mineral deposits are another source of white spots and gritty buildup. Calcium and phosphate are two of the minerals found in saliva. They replace the calcium and phosphate minerals which have been stripped from tooth enamel by acidic foods or the acids created by plaque bacteria. And while these minerals are vital for enamel health, they’re not doing your retainer any favors! As saliva dries on your retainer, it leaves behind a residue of these white gritty minerals.
• When food particles and plaque build up on teeth, they cause bad breath. When food particles and plaque build up on retainers, they cause an unpleasant odor.

Removing Retainer Buildup

How do we break down this buildup? There are some simple ways to reduce or remove plaque, tartar, and mineral accumulation when you’re taking care of your retainer:

• Rinse your retainer off as soon as you remove it from your mouth.
• Clean your retainer every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Because even non-abrasive toothpastes can be hard on a retainer, ask the team at Meade Orthodontics which toothpaste—if any—is safe for use.
• Regular deeper cleaning helps reduce the chance of buildup. Dr. Betsy Meade can suggest effective ways to get your retainer its cleanest, with recommendations like a white vinegar/water soak or an over-the-counter cleaning product made for retainers. Deep clean weekly or monthly as needed.
• Use cool or lukewarm water when you brush or soak your appliance, because hot water can warp retainers.
• Don’t forget to clean your case regularly, as it can also harbor plaque, minerals, germs, and food particles.
• If stubborn stains persist, bring your retainer into our office in Ypsilanti, MI for evaluation. Sometimes professional cleaning is necessary.

Prevention is best!

Of course, the very best way to reduce retainer buildup is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place.

• Keep your teeth clean. When your brushing and flossing is on point, you’ll really reduce the amount of food particles and bacteria which transfer to your retainer.
• If you can’t brush right away, rinsing with water after eating or drinking helps remove food particles and acids from the teeth. Water is also safe to drink with your retainer in place. Which leads us to . . .
• Retainers aren’t meant for meals and snacks. Eating solid foods can damage your retainer. Food particles stick to retainers. Clear plastic retainers which fit over the teeth can stain. And, because they fit closely over the teeth, clear retainers can trap foods and beverages next to your teeth, exposing your enamel to sugars and acids over a longer period. Place your retainer in its case, enjoy your meal, and brush and floss as directed before your replace the retainer in your mouth.

A clean retainer is a healthy retainer! Keep your retainer—and your teeth and gums—in the best of health with simple, daily TLC.

At our office, Dr. Betsy Meade and our team do all that we can to make sure that your experience with us is the best it can possibly be. However, there’s an important role you play in this as well: leaving us reviews and feedback.

Whether there is something you’d like us to improve upon, or you’d just like to express your thanks for a job well done, your feedback is essential to our practice’s success.

We look forward to hearing from you, and are excited to hear what you thought of your most recent visit at our Ypsilanti, MI office.