Caring for your fixed appliance

Follow the instructions below to ensure that you care for you brace as well as possible!

                                 Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing is very important. The brace should be cleaned after every meal. This means that you will need to clean your teeth at school or work. You will need two types of brush to clean your teeth thoroughly. The first is an orthodontic toothbrush it has a ’v’’ shape, designed to go around the brackets. The second is called an interdental brush. This one is essential to clean between the brackets and under the wire, areas which your toothbrush will not reach!

All the necessary items to care for your brace and oral health during treatment can be purchased at reception.

                                   Eating and drinking

You are not allowed to eat sticky foods, toffees, chewing gum etc. as these damage the brace. Sugary foods should be avoided, especially snacking between meals. Tough or crunchy foods such as apples, carrots,pizza crusts and baguettes should be limited and if eaten should be cut into bite size pieces. Do not consume fizzy drinks (including ‘diet’) as these can cause irreversible damage your teeth. Milk and water are the only safe drinks.

                                             Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash is recommended to keep the enamel of the teeth strong when the fixed appliance is in place. This should be used every night, at a different time to brushing. It should be held in the mouth for a full minute to be effective. The instructions on the bottle should be followed carefully and kept out of reach of young children!

This is NOT a substitute for tooth brushing.

                                  Pain and discomfort

Initially each time the brace is adjusted your teeth will be quite tender. This usually wears off after 24-36 hours. Your usual pain relief should be used during this period. However, if the pain is excessive please contact the surgery for an earlier appointment. If you have any sore areas caused by the brace rubbing, soft wax can be purchased at reception to place over the brace. This provides protection to the soft tissues of the mouth allowing them time to harden up to the new brace.

Broken or loose parts

It is very important that you check your brace thoroughly for any lost or broken parts. Things to look for are the square brackets sliding along the wire or completely missing and wires which are no longer tucked into the brackets. If you notice this happening or anything else which seems unusual contact the reception on 01924380680 (the repair clinic is run every day 12.30 – 12.50 by appointment only). Remember failure to have the brace repaired can extend treatment times by months!

DO!

Keep your regular dental check-ups with your own dentist.

If you have an out of hours emergency contact 111.