Fixed braces are excellent at straightening your teeth and will leave no signs that they were ever there. It is crucial that you take care of your braces. Please make sure that you:
- Brush your teeth twice daily (or more if you can) – this will help prevent gum disease, decay and damage to your tooth surfaces
- Brush your gumline – this area is often neglected and can lead to red, inflamed and bleeding gums
- Use interdental brushes at least once daily – this will help get rid of food/plaque between the teeth and help keep your gums healthy
- Keep fizzy/pure fruit juices to a minimum – drinking more than 2/3 drinks per week can lead to acid damage on the surfaces of the teeth. This is rare but can ruin the appearance of your new straight smile
- Use a mouthwash- this will help ensure you are getting fluoride protection in all areas of your mouth
- Use your wax for sharp edges – roll a small amount into a ball and apply to areas that may be rubbing/irritating your gum
- Keep attending your dentist – don’t forget to keep visiting your dentist. We will let you know if there are any obvious issues that need attention but there is no substitute for the attention provided by the general dentist who has helped take care of your teeth for years
- Avoid hard/sticky foods – take care when chewing, especially in the early stages until you gain more confidence. Broken braces are not too common but can set back your treatment. We’re not perfect and don’t expect perfection but please take care
FAQs
- Will braces hurt my teeth? Your teeth will be tender for the first few days, especially when chewing. Avoid hard foods initially and consider using a simple painkiller like paracetamol to ease discomfort if needed. Most patients tell us that they don’t need pain relief for more than a couple of days. You will likely experience slight tenderness after each adjustment (but must less that the initial discomfort)
- Will my speech be affected? Fixed braces will not affect your speech as they don’t interfere with the position of your tongue against the palate and inside surfaces of your teeth
- Do I still need to visit my regular dentist? Yes! It is crucial that you keep attending your dentist and hygienist. They usually know your dental history best and can help you make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. We will advise you if we think that there is something that needs attention but you must attend your dentist for routine check-ups etc.
- Q. Do I need to avoid certain foods? You must limit fizzy/fresh fruit drinks to prevent damage to your teeth. Hard/sticky foods like toffees and very hard bread are not ideal with braces as they can cause breakages. We’re not perfect and don’t expect perfection but we do advise caution