Looking After Braces

The teeth, gums, buttons and wires MUST be kept completely clean.  Plaque and food collects around the brace and if not carefully removed, the gums will swell and bleed and teeth may become damaged.  If your gums bleed during treatment it is a sign of inflammation and should be brushed more thoroughly.

We strongly recommend that you visit your own dentist and a hygienist regularly whilst undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Interspace and spiral twin toothbrushes should be used and a non alcohol, fluoride mouth wash is recommended.
You should avoid hard and sticky foods, they will damage your brace.  You are advised to cut up apples, etc, and chewing sweets/toffees are to be avoided.  If something you eat does damage your brace, call the practice and make an appointment to get it fixed.

Cleaning your braces

Clean your teeth and gums with a ‘soft’ small-headed toothbrush.  Braces should be cleaned by regular brushing around and between the brackets at least three times a day, especially after every meal.
Start between the wire and gums.  Press firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between your teeth and move the brush head around all the teeth.  But don’t press too hard, you will damage your gums and possibly the brace.  Repeat the same process on the other side of the wire.  Now clean all the inside surfaces of your teeth in the same way.  Last of all,  clean the tops of your teeth.  Rinse with a little water after brushing.

The importance of cleaning

Everyone’s saliva contains millions of bacteria.  These bacteria stick to the surfaces of your teeth and form a layer called plaque.  Plaque is a soft, colourless substance which is difficult to see until the coating is quite thick.  It collects on the surfaces of your teeth mainly next to the gums and between the teeth.  Plaque causes tooth decay and gum problems.

Dietary advice

Sticky toffee, chewing gum, hard crusty bread, toast, pizza or any hard or excessively fibrous foods should be avoided.  Food such as apples should be cut up into small pieces before being chewed gently on the back teeth.
Fizzy drinks are also best avoided.  These contain acids which can damage your teeth, especially if they are not kept meticulously clean around the appliance brackets. However, if you must, drink through a straw. This keeps the acids away from your teeth.

Removable braces

Removable braces are carefully made to fit your mouth exactly and to straighten your teeth as quickly as possible.  Your brace may feel uncomfortable for about five days and during this period your speech may be affected.
The brace should be removed when eating or when you need to wear a sport guard.  Removable braces can be kept clean using an over the counter brace cleaner. Your orthodontist will suggest a few to you.

Problems

If your brace is broken or uncomfortable, please contact us immediately, we can book you in to adjust or fix the brace to make you more comfortable.
If the brace is sticking into the side of your mouth use the special dental wax, if that does not work contact the surgery.