Smiling patient with traditional braces

Excellent Orthodontic results can be achieved with informed and cooperative patients. Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile requires a team effort involving your Orthodontist, Dentist and most importantly YOU!

We focus on providing the best treatment plan for your smile and take the utmost care in placing your braces. Please text us if you are concerned about a particular issue or you have a question. Our team are always ready to assist.

The First Few Days…

Once your braces have been placed your teeth, cheeks and lips may feel tender and irritated. Eating soft food will help during this time. If you are experiencing discomfort, pain relief such as one you would take for a headache may help.

When you talk, smile and laugh, your braces may rub on your lips and cheeks, possibly causing ulcers. This should cease once your mouth gets used to the braces. Place some wax on any rough edges to prevent further irritation allowing things to heal.

Bent or Broken Wires

Sometimes the wire may become distorted or stick out at the back as the teeth move. If this occurs, use the wax and text us to organise a quick appointment to trim the wire.

Loose Bracket or Band

Broken/loose bracket/bands generally occur when patients eat the “wrong” foods. Please avoid eating any hard, chewy, sticky or crunchy foods whilst wearing braces. Ensure you text us to let us know.

Adjustment Appointments

Your braces need to be adjusted regularly every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments are generally offered before and after school/work to provide minimum disruption to your everyday schedule.

Appointments to repair breakages are offered during work/school hours. Please note, a fee will be charged for an excess of breakages.

Please always text us if any breakages occur and do not leave them until your next appointment.

Orthodontic Care: Your Guide to Getting Braces

Getting braces is a worthwhile investment for achieving your perfect smile while addressing dental and oral health issues. Understanding what to expect, how to care for your braces, and how to maintain proper oral hygiene is key to ensuring a smooth journey toward straighter teeth. Here’s everything you need to know when starting your orthodontic treatment.

How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces

Keeping your teeth clean with braces is essential for preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. Braces can make brushing and flossing a bit trickier, but with the right tools and techniques, you can maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Key Tip: Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces

Brushing with braces should be done at least twice a day, and after meals or snacks when possible. Follow these steps to ensure effective brushing:

  1. Rinse First: Start by rinsing your mouth to loosen food particles.
  2. Brush at an Angle: Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and clean along the gum line.
  3. Clean Brackets: Gently brush above and below the brackets to remove debris.
  4. Focus on All Surfaces: Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces and the inner sides of your teeth.
  5. How Long to Brush: Brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you cover every surface. Proper brushing helps prevent gingivitis and plaque buildup.

Pro Tip: Create an on-the-go dental kit with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to keep your braces clean wherever you are—whether at school, work, or on trips.

How to Floss With Braces

Flossing with braces may seem challenging, but with the right tools, it’s manageable:

  • Use a floss threader to guide the floss under the archwire.
  • Try interdental cleaning tools like Piksters or Superfloss, available at most pharmacies.
  • Aim to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

What to Eat With Braces

Your diet plays a significant role in protecting your braces and ensuring comfort during treatment.

Foods to Enjoy

Stick to soft foods, especially in the first few days when your jaw may feel sore:

  • Soup
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Pasta
  • Yogurt

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning difficult. Avoid:

  • Chewy foods: Licorice, lollies, or fruit roll-ups.
  • Sticky foods: Caramel or gum.
  • Crunchy foods: Nuts, hard candy, or chips.

Pro Tip: Instead of biting into hard foods like apples or corn on the cob, cut them into smaller, manageable pieces to protect your brackets and wires.

Caring for Your Braces

Orthodontic braces are durable but not indestructible. Proper care will help you avoid unnecessary repairs and delays in treatment.

Preventing Damage

  • Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces and teeth from impact.
  • Avoid habits like chewing on pens, biting nails, or playing with your braces.

What to Do If a Bracket Breaks

Brackets may occasionally loosen or detach, but this is rarely an emergency. Contact your orthodontist to schedule a repair appointment. For discomfort caused by broken wires or brackets, use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges temporarily.

Your Orthodontic Journey Starts Here

By following these guidelines and partnering with your orthodontist, you’ll achieve a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact our team today to ensure your braces stay in great shape throughout your treatment!

Transform your smile with expert orthodontic care—schedule your consultation today! Book Here

FAQS

Will braces hurt?

You may experience some discomfort when they braces are placed and when the wire is changed. The discomfort should only last for a week or so.

What if the wire is causing irritation?

If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or sugarless gum until you can see us for an appointment.

What happens if I swallow a bracket?

Nothing will happen if you swallow a bracket. Please text our office via website or use appointment reminder number to let us know, so we can arrange an appointment.

Can I still play sport?

Yes, you can. Please ask us about getting a mouthguard made.

Do I need to wear retainers after my braces are removed?

Yes, you do. A retainer will ensure that you keep your amazing new smile.