Some discomfort is normal with in the first few weeks of your brace being fitted but the mouth will get used to the brace over time. Your usual pain relief may be required following the fitting of your fixed brace. (Always follow the recommended dose marked on the packet).
Regular effective cleaning is ESSENTIAL with fixed appliances. We advise that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least 3 minutes using a small headed medium bristle manual toothbrush. A timer will be useful to ensure enough time is being spent. Do not brush your teeth for at least half an hour following eating a meal. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every 2-3 months. If you have an electric toothbrush please bring it to your first adjust appointment and we can then show you the correct technique.
It is VITAL that you brush your gums as well as your teeth. Particular attention must be paid using tepe brushes under the wires and around each metal square. (a nurse will demonstrate this to you on a model). Check in a mirror whilst brushing to make sure no areas are missed. The use of disclosing tablets are recommended throughout treatment especially during the first few weeks.
After you have brushed your teeth at night it is important that you use a FLUORIDE mouthwash. You will need to rinse for one minute and then avoid anything to eat or drink. This will help protect the enamel on your teeth.
Try to avoid sugary snacks and drinks between meals. Too much sugar may lead to permanent damage and staining of your teeth. Fizzy drinks and pure fruit juices should be limited and drunk through a straw.
Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy foods (i.e chewing gum, baguettes, and toffees) as they will damage your brace and delay completion of your treatment. It is also important to avoid nail biting, fiddling with your brace and to keep things such as pens out of the mouth. Frequent breakages will lead us to discontinue your treatment.
If your brace rubs or causes ulcers on your cheeks use wax (available to purchase at reception). Drying the area is the best way to get the wax to stick. Roll the wax into a ball with your fingers and mould it around the bracket or wire that is rubbing.
If you have a problem with your fixed appliance please email the practice and a member of our team will advise if we need to see your prior to your next routine appointment. If a bracket becomes detached from a tooth please keep it as we can very often use this bracket again.
Failure to attend regular appointments will delay your treatment. Please contact the practice ASAP if you need to change or cancel an appointment.
Please continue your regular check ups with your own dentist.If you have any problems or questions about your fixed brace please contact the practice.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKNo
