Oral Hygiene
It is very important to keep your teeth clean while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you are wearing a fixed brace it can be tricky to keep everything clean. When you are fitted with the fixed brace you will receive a pack full of aids to help you with this. We will explain in detail and demonstrate how to use these aids e.g. floss and interdental brushes.
Diet
During orthodontic treatment, with fixed appliances especially, every effort should be made to avoid fizzy drinks and foods high in sugar content to avoid getting marks on your teeth.
Poor oral hygiene and regular consumption of fizzy drinks can leads to marks on the teeth that are permanent.
Common Problems with Braces
If any part of the brace breaks in between appointments, contact the clinic to arrange an appointment to have it repaired. Generally broken braces can be avoided if care is taken when eating. Any hard foods should be cut into small pieces. You should avoid biting directly into anything that will knock brackets off e.g.. Apples
At the start of treatment the metal wires and buttons can rub against the cheeks causing discomfort. This can be helped by placing vegetable wax around the part of the brace that is causing the problem. A pack of wax is provided on the day you have your braces fitted and we will show you how it is placed effectively. If you require more wax throughout treatment, be sure to ask!
It is very important to visit your own dentist for routine check-ups during treatment.