It is likely to be sore for about 3 – 5 days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache may help (please read the instructions on the packet). If the brace rubs your lips or cheeks, you will be given some wax to help with this. The brace you are now wearing is fixed to the teeth for the whole of your treatment. You should not try to remove it, as you may damage you teeth & the treatment will not work. Yes you should be able to eat normally. However, for your orthodontic treatment to work well & in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth & brace. In order to prevent damage to both, you should:
* Avoid eating toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.
* Avoid drinking fizzy drinks (including diet drinks) & excessive amounts of fruit juice.
* Take care eating hard foods which might damage the brace such as crunchy apples, crusty bread, etc. Cut them up first. If teeth are brushed correctly you need only brush your teeth twice a day, first thing in the morning & last thing at night. Remember, toothbrushing & tooth paste can be very abrasive & it is possible to over-do things. After meals, the best thing to do is rinse out with water. Conventional flossing is not possible, but there is such a thing as ‘super-floss’ which can be threaded directly between the teeth, under the arch wire. You will probably a lso be advised to use a fluoride mouthwash last thing at night, afte r tooth-brushing, to
further protect the teeth. Failure to keep your teeth & brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth. It usually takes 18- 24 months but will vary according to how severe your case is. Failed & cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time. It may be necessary for you at some stage during the treatment, to wear headgear and/or elastics. Headgear is usually worn in the evenings & at night. Elastics are worn inside the mouth all the time, including mealtimes. Yes. Once the active phase of your treatment is complete, you must wear a retainer. This may be removable or fixed behind your front teeth. To be guaranteed of perfectly straight teeth for life, you will need to wear retainers for life. This varies according to what phase of treatment you are in. Usually between 8 – 12 weeks Yes. It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay. It is recommended you wear a gumshield. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller-skating, or skateboarding. You will be advised about this. If you play a wind instrument, you may find some initial difficulty forming your lips. In our experience, this is only temporary & can be easily adapted to. Ring up for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible. Do not wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth. If you repeatedly break your brace treatment may be stopped.
* Avoid eating toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.
* Avoid drinking fizzy drinks (including diet drinks) & excessive amounts of fruit juice.
* Take care eating hard foods which might damage the brace such as crunchy apples, crusty bread, etc. Cut them up first. If teeth are brushed correctly you need only brush your teeth twice a day, first thing in the morning & last thing at night. Remember, toothbrushing & tooth paste can be very abrasive & it is possible to over-do things. After meals, the best thing to do is rinse out with water. Conventional flossing is not possible, but there is such a thing as ‘super-floss’ which can be threaded directly between the teeth, under the arch wire. You will probably a lso be advised to use a fluoride mouthwash last thing at night, afte r tooth-brushing, to
further protect the teeth. Failure to keep your teeth & brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth. It usually takes 18- 24 months but will vary according to how severe your case is. Failed & cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time. It may be necessary for you at some stage during the treatment, to wear headgear and/or elastics. Headgear is usually worn in the evenings & at night. Elastics are worn inside the mouth all the time, including mealtimes. Yes. Once the active phase of your treatment is complete, you must wear a retainer. This may be removable or fixed behind your front teeth. To be guaranteed of perfectly straight teeth for life, you will need to wear retainers for life. This varies according to what phase of treatment you are in. Usually between 8 – 12 weeks Yes. It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay. It is recommended you wear a gumshield. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller-skating, or skateboarding. You will be advised about this. If you play a wind instrument, you may find some initial difficulty forming your lips. In our experience, this is only temporary & can be easily adapted to. Ring up for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible. Do not wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth. If you repeatedly break your brace treatment may be stopped.
