Guide to Your New Braces

FAQ

What if something breaks?

If you experience a breakage, please use the photo below (parts of your braces) to help identify the problem and then ring us as you may need a special appointment to fix the problem.

What if my braces feel sharp?

Braces often feel sharp in the first few weeks after they have been fitted. Break off a small piece of wax from your care pack, roll it into a ball and place it over the sharp spot. It may need to be replaced if it comes off when you next eat or brush your teeth.

What should I do if my teeth hurt?

It is usual for the pressure from the braces to make the teeth tender to bite on for 7-14 days after they have first been fitted and after any major adjustments. A soft diet and if necessary some simple painkillers (Nurofen or Paracetamol) is usually sufficient.

What if I miss an appointment?

Oops! Please call us as soon as possible to make a new one so that your treatment isn't delayed.

What if my molar band moves up and down?

This means that it has come loose and needs to be glued back on promptly to prevent decay from starting underneath it. Please phone for an appointment

What if my elastic bands have been lost or used up?

Please either give us a call so we can post some more to you or come in and collect a new packet. Don't wait until your next visit. It is very important that they are worn as directed.

Good care means great smiles

The essential steps to good brushing: Use a small soft headed toothbrush or electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste Start on the gums. Flick down toward the brackets for top teeth and an upward flick for lower teeth. For cleaning back teeth, bite your teeth together to give more room for your toothbrush. Next clean the braces. Tilt the brush so that the bristles go underneath the wire and in between the teeth or if this is difficult, use one of the small bottle brushes in your care pack Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth ensuring your tongue is out of the way. Rinse and check. Your teeth and braces should look shiny. You can brush your teeth before each appointment in our toothbrushing area outside in the hallway

Healthy teeth need healthy food

In the first 1-2 weeks after the braces are fitted, your teeth will be tender to bite on. You will only want a soft diet with foods that require little or no chewing. However this stage will pass and you will need to take great care to avoid foods that may bend or break the archwires or brackets. Do not eat hard or sticky sweets (toffees, minties, K Bars), hard biscuits, toffee apples. Cut into small pieces and eat carefully foods like raw carrots, celery, apple and other vegetables and tough pieces of meat. Avoid all Coke (including Diet Coke) and only have in moderation sweet and or acidic drinks such as all fizzy drinks, orange juice. Keep Smiling! The Road to Success is Always Under Construction Beautiful smiles take time and effort, but the results speak for themselves.

Parts of your braces

If you encounter a problem with your braces, it is helpful if you can describe the different parts of your braces.

Tips for great smiles

High Concentration Fluoride Toothpaste

We recommend the use of a high concentrations fluoride (1.1%) toothpaste to strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce the risk of discolouration and decay of the teeth. Use the toothpaste once per day in place of your normal toothpaste for the duration of the braces treatment. When it runs out we can supply you with more.

Brush after each meal

If you don't have your toothbrush with you at least rinse your mouth out and chew some sugar free chewing gum

Use a plaque disclosing tablet

Chew one up after brushing and swish saliva around mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse your mouth out and any plaque or food left on your teeth will be coloured pink by the dye. Brush these areas again thoroughly until the colour has all gone.

Dental Floss

To clean properly between your teeth, you need to use dental floss daily. Ask us how and we will give you a demonstration.

Great Care Shiny Braces Firm Pink gums Smooth shiny teeth Fresh Breath		Poor Care Dirty Braces Red Swollen gums Furry teeth Bad Breath