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Fixed white braces
 
Metal fixed braces
Now
that you have a fixed brace you may
have some questions you would like
answered.
Will it be
painful?
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.
Can I remove
the brace?
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 and the treatment
will not work.
Can I eat normally?
Yes you should be able to eat normally. However, for your orthodontic treatment
to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care
of your teeth and brace. In order to prevent damage to both, you should:
- Avoid eating toffees,
boiled sweets, sugared chewing
gum, chocolate bars, etc.
- Avoid drinking
tizzy drinks (including diet drinks)
and 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.
What about
toothbrushing?
It is important you brush your
teeth well, three times per day
and use a fluoride toothpaste.
If possible carry a brush with
you for use after lunch. Pay particular
attention to brush where the gums meet the teeth. Brushing may take a little
longer when you have a fixed brace. A daily fluoride mouthrinse should
also be used last thing at night, after toothbrushing, to further protect the
teeth. Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring
of your teeth as shown in the previous picture.
How long will
treatment take?
It usually takes 12 - 24 months but will vary according to how severe your
case is. Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace
will add to the overall treatment time.
Will I need
to wear anything in addition to
the fixed brace?
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 and at night. Elastics
are worn inside the mouth all the time, including mealtimes.
Will I need
to wear another brace once my treatment
has finished?
Once the active phase of your treatment has been finished, it will be necessary
to wear a retaining brace. This may be removable or it may be fixed behind
your front teeth. The length of time this has to be worn can vary.
How often
will I need an appointment?
You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted.
Do I still
need to see my regular dentist?
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.
What do I
do if I play contact sports?
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.
What if I
play a musical instrument?
If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument,
then a fixed brace may make it more difficult. You will need to discuss this
with your music teacher.
What do I
do if my brace breaks?
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.
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