Brace Care Advice

What should I do when the brace is first fitted?

The teeth will feel tender for the first few days. This usually settles between 3-14 days. You can take a mild painkiller, the type that you would normally take for a headache.

The mouth and gums will also become sore after the brace is fitted. You can use wax or silicone on the brace to relieve any discomfort. Try to dry the brace first to help the wax stick to the brace.

How should I clean my brace?

With braces on, your teeth are more difficult to clean. Do not leave food on your braces. Brushing your teeth properly after every snack and meal will reduce the risk of decay and gum disease in addition to brushing your teeth every morning and night.

When brushing with fluoride toothpaste, do not rinse at the end of brushing, just spit any excess toothpaste out. You can use a daily 0.05% Sodium fluoride mouthrinse at a time other than brushing, to reduce the risk of permanent white marks appearing on the teeth.

Have your toothbrush available to brush after meals as well as at your orthodontic visits. You can use disclosing tablets or solution to check if your teeth are clean.

Interdental brushes are invaluable for keeping the brace clean. Your orthodontist will show you how to use these around the brace at the brace fitting appointment. Interdental brushes are available from Regent Dental Care and most supermarkets and chemists.

What should I do with my braces while I eat and drink?

• Eating hard food or biting on large pieces of food may dislodge the brackets or bands and damage the wires.
• Avoid eating nuts and biting on nails or pencils. Cut hard vegetables or fruits into small pieces before eating them.
• Avoid food and drinks with high sugar content such as sweets and soft drinks as these can cause permanent white marks around the brace.