Orthodontic treatment is all about teamwork. By following these suggestions you will avoid delays in treatment.


Cleaning

Keeping teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is crucial! After all, who wants perfectly aligned teeth with cavities?

Teeth should be brushed two times a day with a small headed soft brush; this can be manual or electric.

You should also try to floss at least once a day. A small inter-dental brush can also be used to clean between the brackets.

Whilst we do not routinely recommend mouthwash to all of our patients, you may find it useful to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene.

Diet

While you are wearing braces you may find it difficult to eat some of the foods you normally eat. When eating foods such as raw fruit and vegetables, you will need to cut them up into bite-sized pieces and chew using your back teeth. Chewing on hard foods or objects, like a pen, can cause you braces to dislodge, which ultimately slows down your treatment.

Foods to avoid:

  • Chewing gum

  • Hard and sticky lollies

  • Corn cobs

  • Meat on the bone

  • Ice cubes

Take care with:

  • Crusty bread

  • Nuts

  • Acidic food

  • Hard chocolate


Discomfort

To begin with, your teeth may feel tender as the braces start moving your teeth. Pain medication can be taken on the day your braces are fitted to reduce discomfort.

The small metal brackets may cause ulcers on your cheeks and lips until you get used to them. Wax is included in your care pack and we will give you a demonstration on how to use it effectively.

Breakages

Breakages can occur when proper care is not taken with your braces. Breakages that can occur include; de-bonded brackets, broken wires, or broken power chain. All of these problems can be fixed but it should be avoided at all costs. Breakages can slow down treatment significantly, especially if they happen on a regular basis.

Get to know your braces and check them regularly for any abnormalities. If something is broken, call the practice as soon as possible and we will book an emergency appointment. It may not be possible to book this appointment outside of school hours. Read more

Elastic band wear

During your orthodontic treatment you will be instructed to wear elastics bands on your braces. Patients that do not wear their elastics bands as instructed normally have longer treatment times.

Accidents involving the teeth

If you are involved in an accident which involves injury to your teeth while you are wearing braces please contact the office for an appointment as soon as possible. Your general dental practitioner may be better suited to manage certain aspects of your injury so we will refer to them and communicate with them as is necessary. If the injury occurs outside of office hours, attendance to an emergency dental clinic or the hospital is the appropriate first line management.

Appointments

It is extremely important that you maintain regular appointments. You will usually be required to have your braces adjusted every 4-6 weeks.

If appointments are continually missed, you may fall behind with treatment.

Help us help you!

To achieve the best results from your treatment it is important to;

  • Keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy (brushing and flossing)

  • Keep breakages to a minimum and report them as soon as possible

  • Wear elastics and removable appliances as instructed

  • Keep regular appointments