How to look after your braces

Adjusting to your braces may take a little time. Some discomfort can be expected for the first few days. Some lip or cheek irritation may also occur. These problems will usually settle down within the first week. If not, contact the practice.

Your braces require special care to maintain your teeth in good condition and ensure that your treatment proceeds efficiently. The following information has been provided to assist you in caring for your braces.

What To Do

It is most important to keep your teeth clean. If you do not keep your teeth clean you will get puffy gums and damage to your teeth by decay. Your teeth should be brushed thoroughly after eating anything, even if you are away from home.

• That means you are going to have to brush after each meal or snack!
• Take your travel toothbrush everywhere with you.
• Remember – clean teeth look great!

Click on a photo to see a larger version.

• Let us know if you have any problems or if your braces break at any stage.
• The wax supplied may be used to cover any parts of the braces that are causing irritation to the cheeks or lips.
• Please remember to keep your appointments as scheduled, or make alternative arrangements as soon as possible. If you don’t keep your appointments it will take longer to finish your treatment.
• If you play contact sport let us know! We will provide a mouthguard for you.

What To Avoid

• Please don’t chew anything too hard. Certain foods, such as nuts, crusty breads and chewing ice should be avoided.
• Please Don’t eat large pieces of food. Foods such as meat, carrots and apples should be cut into small pieces.
• Please don’t play with your braces with your fingers, fingernails or tongue.
• Don’t eat sticky sweets, lollies, chocolate bars etc.
• Don’t drink sweet drinks eg. cordials, soft drinks, sport drinks. These drinks are acidic and may cause a erosion of your teeth.

Remember - the success of your treatment and the time it takes depends on you!!