WHAT TO EXPECT?
It will take a few days to become used to your new brace and patients often experience some discomfort at first, particularly on chewing. This can be managed with a mild analgesic such as Paracetamol. This may occasionally be required during your treatment, particularly after an adjustment appointment.
The brace may feel a little rough initially on your cheeks, tongue and lips and rub during eating and speaking at first. This will ease as your mouth gets used to your brace but ‘wax’ can provide some temporary protection.
During your orthodontic treatment you may notice some unexpected changes to the position of your teeth and also your bite, this may feel odd but is normal. Please follow the instructions given to you to the best of your abilities and inform Miss Willis if you have problems so that we can advise and support you.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BRACE?
Oral hygiene is very important during your treatment, if you do not clean adequately this will result in damage to your teeth and gums which may be irreversible. You should clean your teeth at least 2 times a day. It will take longer than usual to clean around your brace and you may need to use additional measures such as inter-proximal brushes.
Your Hygienist will provide you with a personalised regime to ensure you can look after your appliance and help with maintenance during treatment.
A daily fluoride mouth rinse (non-alcohol) has been shown to be effective at minimising the risks associated with orthodontic treatment and is recommended to be used at a different time from tooth brushing.
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Click here for some Oral Hygiene advice.
WHAT TO AVOID?
Please try not to play-with or interfere with your brace, this may damage the appliance and result in harm to your teeth or mouth. Altering the brace also risks unwanted tooth movement which will slow down your treatment.
Habits such as nail-biting, thumb-sucking, chewing on pens/pencils should be avoided where possible. This can damage your brace and prevent tooth movement.
A high frequency of sugary or acidic foods and drinks (fizzy drinks, smoothies, fruit juices etc…) risks dental decay. Patients with orthodontic appliances are at higher risk of dental decay and damage to their teeth so it is best to only drink water and avoid snacks between meals. Fruit juices are best consumed at meal times.
Take care with very hard, sticky or chewy foods as these can break or damage your brace. Some examples of foods to avoid include: Crusty bread, raw fruit and vegetables, pizza crusts, nuts, tough meats, toffies, sweets and chewing gum.
BREAKAGES AND PROBLEMS
Please check each day that your brace is not broken or damaged. If you have problems with your brace please report it to your clinic to discuss how best to manage it.
Please do not worry as most problems can be easily fixed with a short appointment.
