Frequently Asked Questions

Are removable braces painful?

Your mouth is likely to be sore for about three to five days after the brace has been fitted and after each adjustment appointment. If necessary, you can take painkillers such as those that you would normally take for a headache (please read the instructions on the packet). If you have an obvious area of soreness caused by the brace, please ring the Practice during normal working hours to make an appointment. If possible do not stop wearing the brace or you may have another three to five days of discomfort when you start to wear it again.

How else might it affect me?

Your speech will be different at first. Practice speaking with the brace in place, perhaps by reading out aloud to yourself at home, and your speech will return to normal within a few days.

You may also find that you produce more saliva and have to swallow more often. This is quite normal and will quickly settle.

Can I eat normally?

Yes you should be able to eat normally. It is important for you to keep your brace in whilst eating unless you are instructed otherwise. Although this may be difficult at first, eating with your brace in place will become easier. After each meal remove your brace and rinse it thoroughly before replacing it in your mouth.

For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important that you take care of your teeth and brace. In order to prevent damage to both, you should

• Avoid eating toffees, boiled sweets, chewing gum, wine gums, Haribos, chocolate bars and any similar type of sweets or food that will stick to your teeth.
• Avoid fizzy drinks (including diet drinks) and excessive amounts of fruit juice.
• Take care when eating hard foods such as crunchy apples, crusty bread or pizza crusts which might damage the brace. Always cut them up into manageable bite sized pieces first.

What about tooth brushing?

It is important that you brush your teeth well, three times each day using a fluoride toothpaste. If possible carry a brush with you for use after lunch. Take the braces out to clean your teeth. You should also gently brush the brace, taking care not to damage the wires.

A daily fluoride mouth rinse should also be used last thing at night, after tooth brushing, to further protect your teeth. Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent damage to your teeth.

How long will treatment take?

It usually takes six to twelve months but this time will vary according to how severe your case is. Failure to attend and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of your brace will add to the overall treatment time.

How often will I need to visit the orthodontist?

You will need regular appointments every six to eight weeks during treatment for your brace to be adjusted.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist?

Yes. It will be important for you to have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout your course of orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for any signs of decay