Keeping your teeth and braces clean and healthy is really important during you treatment. With your help and co-operation, we can straighten your teeth, but whether you end up with a beautiful smile is up to you. If you don’t keep things clean you could end up with marks on your teeth, gum disease and even holes that then need filling.
Do:
- Wear your brace all the time including eating and sleeping.
- Clean your braces after every meal/snack. You can take the travel toothbrush to school or work.
- Keep your brace in a plastic box if it isn’t being worn.
- Contact the practice as soon as possible if you lose or break your brace.
- Take it out after every meal and clean it over a sink of water (so if it is dropped it does not break). Use your toothbrush to gently remove all traces of food.
- Use the Fluoride mouthwash every night after you have brushed your teeth before you go to bed to help toughen up and protect your teeth. Do not eat or drink anything after you have used the mouthwash.
- Eat sweets (including toffees, chewing gum, mints, chocolate…) or any kind of fizzy drinks; including “diet“ varieties or fizzy/flavoured water.
- Play with or click your brace with your tongue
- Wear your brace for contact sports
- Hold the brace by the wires or bend them
- Eat hard or sticky foods (e.g. apples, baguettes, toast, carrots…)
- Chew gum
Sometimes you can get soreness and rubbing from your braces when they are first fitted or adjusted. This is normal and should ease over a few days or so. If the discomfort persists or is causing concern, contact the practice and we can arrange an appointment to make any necessary adjustments.
After fitting or activation of your braces, you might expect some discomfort or aching for a couple of days. A soft diet will help and you can use your usual painkillers. Always read the instructions for the correct dosage and never take medicines without consulting a parent or guardian.
BreakagesIf there are any breakages or loose brackets contact the practice as soon as possible for an appointment. If there is a delay it can result in prolonged treatment and discomfort.
