Looking after your braces

Name: Dan Smethurst Orthodontist
Telephone: 07-578-9166

Now you have your braces on, it’s important to look after them. This doesn't just ensure they are kept clean and intact, it also helps keep your orthodontic treatment on track to achieve the best results.

With so much going on in that first appointment, you may have forgotten some of the instructions that we gave you, so we have listed a few things below as a reminder on how to look after your braces when going through orthodontic treatment.

Keeping your teeth clean

If you have braces, it’s really important that you keep your teeth and gums very clean. This will help to avoid the build-up of plaque and food deposits. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride-based toothpaste. Our team will provide you with a starter kit which includes a toothbrush, interdental brushes, dental floss, and wax. They will also show you how best to use the kit to maintain great oral health and care for your braces.

We also advise you to continue visiting your family dentist for regular check-ups.

Foods to avoid

Having braces doesn't mean changing your lifestyle. However, there may be a few changes to your diet to help keep your treatment on track.

After your initial fitting appointment, and following any adjustment visits, you may feel a bit of tenderness in your teeth. This is when we would suggest eating softer foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, macaroni cheese, and porridge. This will help avoid any further discomfort.

The rest of the time you can eat a normal diet, but it is important to avoid anything too sticky, hard, or sugary (lollies, caramels, bubble gum, etc.). If you are eating crunchy foods such as apples or carrots, we suggest you cut them into small pieces and try to use your back teeth when biting. Corn kernels on the cob should also be cut off to be eaten instead.

Dealing with breakages

If part of your brace becomes loose or breaks, please call us as soon as you notice and we will schedule a repair appointment. Gently remove anything loose from your mouth if you can and use the wax from your care kit to stop anything digging in until you return to the clinic to see us.

Please note – multiple or excessive breakages may incur additional costs which will be billed at the completion of your treatment.

Emergencies and after hours

If you experience any issues outside of our working hours and are in discomfort, please telephone the practice on 07-578-9166. Our answering system will advise you who to contact.