For Our Orthodontic Patients
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 Our friendly team will work with you to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. To help ensure your appointment goes smoothly, we have provided some helpful information below.
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Brushing & Flossing
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Retainer Instructions
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Emergency Care
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Patient Forms
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Financial Info
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Orthodontic FAQ
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Scholarship Application |
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Brushing & FlossingAfter having your braces placed at Dr. Dumore & Team Orthodontics, it is still very important to brush and floss. In fact, because food can get caught in the brackets and under the wire, Dr. Dumore asks that patients brush after every meal. By keeping all of those nooks and crannies that food can so easily get trapped in clear of debris, you are keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, please ask Dr. Dumore or any member of his team, and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your orthodontic appliance.
Brushing & Flossing Printable Instructions [PDF]
Brushing instructionsBrushing: Step 1
 To begin, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gum, so not flat on the surface of your tooth, but angled. This angle will help to loosen and clear away food particles, debris and plaque.
Brushing: Step 2
 Begin to then brush gently in a circular motion. While brushing, be sure to circle around each bracket, around the wires, and the teeth below. Be gentle with your brushing, you do not want to dislodge a bracket or the wire.
Brushing: Step 3
 As you brush, brush the outer, inner, and the chewing surfaces of each tooth. You are removing food particles, along with plaque, and any additional decay causing bacteria. It is important to clean the full tooth, not just the surface that is seen.
Brushing: Step 4
 Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth. Use the bristles of your brush to clear away any stuck in food or plaque.
Flossing instructionsFlossing: Step 1
 To floss your teeth, begin with a piece of floss that is approximately 18 inches long, this process will be more time consuming with your braces, but is very important. Begin with carefully placing the floss between braces and wire. Some patients find using a floss threader to be helpful.
Flossing: Step 2
 Taking your time, carefully floss around the braces, the brackets and wire to remove any food debris and plaque.
Flossing: Step 3
 After you have flossed your braces, then carefully floss around the gum areas. Plaque left on your gums can cause an infection in the soft tissues. We want to eliminate this possibility.
Flossing: Step 4
 The last step is to the carefully floss around each tooth. The process of caring for your teeth can be long, but is important to your dental health. Repairing decay when a patient has braces can be a difficult, time consuming, process.
At Dr. Dumore & Team Orthodontics, we know how important it is to care for your teeth and keep them clean. Dr. Tim Dumore is available to answer all of your questions about braces, including how to brush and floss them with the correct tools. For more information, contact our Winnipeg Manitoba MB R3J 0P1, Canada office at: 204-832-3910 |
Retainer Instructions | • |
Wear your retainer at all times, until Dr. Dumore instructs otherwise.
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Take your retainer out when eating, and always put it back in its case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
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Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and warm soapy water.
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When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should ALWAYS be in its case. Pets love to chew on them!
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Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to it faster.
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Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainer gets lost or broken, call us immediately.
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Always bring your retainer to your appointments.
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Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for years!
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Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine and napkins. |
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Emergency Care Braces and other orthodontic devices can be new and different to their wearers, so when any part of them seems to be out of sorts, this can be intimidating. Our team at Dr. Dumore & Team Orthodontics want to be available to you for any of those such moments. We ask that our patients always contact us immediately anytime they are experiencing unusual pain associated with their orthodontic device. Otherwise, there are several conditions that can be alleviated at home. Dr. Dumore, or a member of his team can answer your questions, even after hours, or we’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve severe problems.
Problems I can resolve myself at homeThere are several problems that can arise with your orthodontic appliance, including braces, that you can resolve at home. There are also several other tips that can help while waiting to be seen in our office. We recommend the following:
Soreness in your teethA frequent complaint of our patients after they first get their braces placed, or after having them tightened is soreness. Unfortunately, soreness is going to be a regular temporary problem. We are forcing your teeth to shift and move. Some patients may also feel tenderness in their teeth when applying biting pressure for three to five days after placement or tightening. This pain will pass. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to alleviate the strain. We recommend:
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Rinsing your mouth with a warm homemade saltwater mouthwash. Patients can dissolve a teaspoonful of salt in eight ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously followed by spitting it out, you shouldn’ |
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t swallow it.Take an ibuprofen or whatever you would normally take for headache or similar pain. |
Soreness in your soft tissuesIt is common for the lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated in the first couple of weeks after receiving your new braces. They will toughen and become accustomed to the new surface of having braces. Dr. Dumore recommends placing wax on your braces to lessen this. We’ll show you how!
Headgear DiscomfortWearing headgear is a huge change from what is normal for you. The biggest reason patients report discomfort comes from not wearing your headgear correctly. We ask that patients review the instructions that were given and consult the information that was provided. If the facebow is bent, call our office for assistance. As you wear the headgear more frequently, it will hurt less, so we ask that patients be sure to wear the headgear the prescribed amount of hours.
Bracket came looseIf you have a bracket that has come loose, you need to contact our office. Once an appointment has been made, we then recommend that if your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, to leave it in place, it can be secured by placing wax on it. If the wire has come out entirely, we ask that you wrap the bracket with a tissue and bring it with you to your appointment.
Wire came looseIf the wire of your braces came loose, you can attempt to repair it. With a pair of tweezers, try to put your wire back into place in the bracket. If you are unable to place the wire back in, contact our office for an appointment. With an appointment scheduled, you may want to clip the wire with a small fingernail clipper behind the last tooth that it was securely fastened to. This only needs to be done to avoid the wire from poking you.
Wire is poking meIf the wire of your braces is poking you, you can place a pencil eraser to cushion the pokey part. Patients also find that wax can alleviate the discomfort.
After finding temporary relief of any discomfort, we still want you to call our office to schedule an appointment. We can make any necessary adjustments or repairs. Allowing your dental appliance to remain damaged or out of the normal for an extended period of time may result in disruptions to your treatment plan.
At Dr. Dumore & Team Orthodontics, we always want to be informed of our patient’s struggles with their orthodontic appliances, we can fix any problems and may be able to help relieve discomfort. Dr. Tim Dumore is available to answer all of your questions about braces, including what to do in an emergency. For more information, contact our Winnipeg Manitoba MB R3J 0P1, Canada office at: 204-832-3910.
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Patient Forms
Financial Info The cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary, depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. Our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and each available payment plan option with you, so you can make the best choice for you and your smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget, and you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.
Affordable payment plansYour smile is yours forever, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best orthodontic care whenever you need it.
Our practice accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, and cheque.
While we do not direct bill any insurance companies, we will provide you with the necessary information so that you can receive reimbursement from your insurance companies. |
Orthodontic FAQ What is orthodontics?Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure and improve the function of your smile.
What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great time to see the orthodontist. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens. About one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.
How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?| • |
ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
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Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
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Keep the retainer safe in its container so it does not get lost or broken.
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Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
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During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and potential cavities.
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Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
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Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months. |
What are braces?Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:
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Clear braces
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Clear Aligners
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Traditional metal braces |
If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?The amount of time spent in braces will vary, depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere from six to 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
Do braces hurt?Braces do not often hurt, though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks and mouth get used to your new braces.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces.
You should also floss daily to get between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. We can show you how to brush and floss properly once your braces are placed.
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up, and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouth guard to protect your braces or appliance.
How do I schedule my next appointment?Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to schedule your next appointment. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need. |
Scholarship Application One of the goals of Dr. Dumore is to encourage our patients to strive for excellence and to promote continuing education. We are pleased to announce our Dr. Tim Dumore & Team's Orthodontics Senior Student Scholarship.
This scholarship is $1000 towards secondary education. It will be awarded to two high school seniors who are either a past or current patient of Dr. Dumore. The scholarship funds will be payable to the university or college of the recipient's choice. We want to invest in the success of our patient's future by providing scholarship funds to help with the financial burden of their further education.
Criteria For Selection| • |
Scholarship Application Form [PDF]
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Letter of Reference from a member of the administration or educational staff at your school
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Letter of Acceptance to secondary education program
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500 Word Essay
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Existing or Previous Patient of Dr. Tim Dumore |
We invite you to apply for this scholarship and it is our hope that our contribution to your education will encourage you to strive for excellence in your education and in your future.
We wish all Senior Students all the best as they plan for the next chapter of their lives.
Check out our Facebook or Instagram page for additional contest entries.
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Please take a minute to fill out the patient information form before your first appointment.