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ALL ABOUT YOUR FIXED BRACE You have been fitted with a fixed appliance because this is the best way
to correct your teeth. Removable appliances (clip on braces) can only perform a
limited range of tooth movements, and we have decided on a fixed brace to carry
out your orthodontic treatment. These braces are quite uncomfortable when they are first fitted
but after a few days everyone gets used to them and the discomfort quickly
disappears. You may find yourself living on soup for a week or so! Very often,
painkillers are necessary. A few simple rules are essential when you have a fixed brace:- KEEP YOUR BRACE AND TEETH ABSOLUTELY CLEAN.
We
do not want to see what you have had for breakfast or lunch, or even, heaven
forbid, what you had to eat last week. Plaque around the brackets or wires will
cause your teeth to go bad, become discoloured and fillings may become
necessary. LOOK AFTER YOUR APPLIANCE.
Avoid
toffees, chewing gum, boiled sweets, nuts and tough or sticky things; they will
pull the brackets off (they're only stuck on with an adhesive) and cause you
more discomfort from loose wires. The brackets take a long time to put on, and
so we are not able to replace them immediately. Inevitably, therefore, loose
brackets will increase the time you have your brace on, and, at a crucial stage
in your treatment, can add up to six months to the treatment time. KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS.
The
appliance needs to be adjusted regularly, and failed appointments will again
unnecessarily increase the time you need to keep the brace on. If there is anything sticking or very painful, please contact the
surgery immediately and if any of the attachments become loose please save it
and bring it with you so that it can be replaced. When your treatment is complete, after about 18-24 months on
average, your fixed appliance will be removed and more often than not a
removable retainer fitted. This must be worn exactly as advised, or your teeth
will very quickly revert to the pre-treatment condition. LOOKING AFTER YOUR FIXED APPLIANCE When you are fitted with a fixed appliance, good oral hygiene becomes
much more difficult to achieve. A good standard of oral hygiene is very
important, especially so during orthodontic treatment, as many dental problems
may result if it is not maintained. Here are a few points that may help you:- (1) Use a small, medium textured, nylon bristle toothbrush, the
smaller the head the easier it is to clean the more difficult areas. (2) Place the toothbrush first of all on the gum side of the wire,
and moving it in a small circular motion, remove all debris from the gum areas. (3) Place the toothbrush on the tooth edge side of the wire,
moving it in a backwards and forwards scrubbing motion, removing all debris from
this side of the wire. (4) Place the toothbrush on top of the wire and brackets and
GENTLY but thoroughly move it in the same backwards and forwards scrubbing
motion. (5) Clean inside the mouth, if any wires are present here, brush
them thoroughly but gently with toothbrush and paste - you may find that a mouth
mirror will help you see better. (6) Brushing under the wire may be made easier using a small
interdental toothbrush. (7) Brush in this manner three times daily (morning - after
breakfast; upon returning home after work/school; night - just before bedtime). (8) Where brushing is not possible after snacks or meals, rinsing
thoroughly with water will loosen some of the food debris from the teeth and
appliance. (9) Notice any changes in the appearance of your gums. If they
become red or swollen or if they bleed they are slightly infected and you may
not be brushing as well as you should be. (10) Using a fluoride mouthwash during treatment may HELP
strengthen and protect the teeth against decay. For
further help and advice please consult your Orthodontist, Dentist, or Dental
Nurse
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