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These days, braces are subtler, more advanced and less noticeable. There are more brace options than ever before. Alternatives to traditional metal ‘train track’ metal braces are tooth-coloured fixed braces, removable braces, clear aligners and even lingual braces fitted on the back of the teeth so only you and your orthodontist know they are there. Our specialist orthodontists have the experience to help you choose the best brace system for your child.

Why Choose Braces?

Braces have a number of purposes, which include:

  • creating a beautiful, straight smile!
  • straightening crowded teeth to allow easier cleaning.
  • correcting the bite of your teeth so it is easier to chew your food.
  • closing spacing between your teeth to improve the smile and prevent food trapping.
  • avoiding tooth wear due to an uneven bite and gum recession due to misplaced teeth.
  • reducing the risk of breakages of teeth that stick out.
  • placing your teeth in positions where it is easier for your dentist to fix your teeth.
  • helping reduce the likelihood of problems with the jaw joint in adulthood.

Find out more about the various types of braces we offer at Whitetree Orthodontic Centre below:

Looking after your fixed brace

You will need: a toothbrush (travel toothbrush for daytime use), interdental brushes, wax, fluoride mouthwash. These can be purchased from reception.

To ensure that your treatment progresses as quickly as possible and that your teeth remain undamaged throughout your treatment please follow these instructions:

Keep your gums and teeth clean:

Please brush your teeth at least 3 times a day after every meal.  You will need to use your normal manual or electric toothbrush to brush the tips of your teeth, across the brace and between your teeth and gums, including the gum margin.  You must also use an interdental brush behind the wire between each bracket.

The use of disclosing tablets once or twice a week is a good idea to check your brushing is up to scratch.

Please use fluoride mouthwash with a concentration of 0.05% fluoride (225ppm) last thing at night after brushing – rinse for 1 minute then spit out.  This helps to strengthen your teeth to avoid ugly marks developing.

Don’t break your brace:

Avoid chewy and crunchy foods e.g. chewing gum, toffee, crusty bread, pizza crusts etc – use your common sense.  Cut up hard foods such as apples and raw carrots.  Don’t pick at your brace with your fingers and don’t bite pens.  If your brace breaks contact us straight away– if your brace remains broken your treatment could take longer.

Keep your teeth healthy – decalcification marks are permanent:

Do not eat sticky or chewy sweets or sweets that take a long time to suck e.g. mints, boiled sweets etc.  Chocolate will be fine on occasion (1-2 times per week as a treat).  Avoid fizzy drinks of any type including diet drinks and fizzy or flavoured water.  The best things to drink with braces are plain water, plain milk or squash diluted as much as possible.  Fruit juice will also damage your teeth so have no more than 1 glass a day and drink it through a straw to prevent it swilling around your teeth.

Use a gumshield if you play contact sports: either off-the-peg or custom-made (we supply both).

What to expect:

Your teeth will start to ache a few hours after having the brace fitted and the next day tends to be the most uncomfortable.  The aching will then start to subside and after a week, it should be a lot more comfortable.  Use ibuprofen (as long as you don’t have asthma) or paracetamol if necessary.  Use brace wax to help prevent rubbing of the insides of your cheeks and lips.  Have a really soft diet for the first few days as your teeth will be tender.

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