Q What is my brace made up of?
A Your brace is made
up of small brackets glued to your teeth. The brackets are handles
used to hold your teeth and straighten them; the archwire, which runs
through the brackets moves the teeth. We start with the most gentle
archwire and gradually move up through five sizes. The archwire
is held in place by tiny elastic bands, which come in different colours.
Q Will it hurt?
A It is usual for
the teeth to be uncomfortable for the first few days after the brace
is first fitted - stay with a soft diet and if necessary take one or
two tablets of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Q What if bits break off?
A If one bracket comes
off then leave it until your next scheduled visit. If several break
off then phone for an appointment to have the brace repaired.
Often as the teeth move the archwire
sticks out at the back. If this scratches your cheek come in to
have the end cut off (ask reception for a packet of wax in case this
happens).
Q How do I clean my teeth?
A Since the brace
is fixed you cannot remove it for brushing. It is extremely important
to spend extra time brushing all around the brace and especially the
gums. If the dirt builds up then your gums will bleed a lot (gingivitis)
and your teeth will decay. Special brushes and fluoride mouthwashes
for daily use can usually be obtained from the receptionist of your dental
surgery
Q Will there be marks on my teeth when the brace comes off?
A Poor cleaning and
too many fizzy drinks can cause permanent decay marks. The
importance of thorough brushing and the use of a fluoride mouthwash cannot
be emphasised enough.
Q What about sports?
A Contact sports such
as rugby present a problem since it is difficult to make a gum shield
that will fit over the brace. A reasonable solution is to buy a
cheap gumshield from a sports shop which can be softened in hot water
and moulded over the brace.
Q How long before the brace is removed?
A It usually takes
about 18 months, occasionally longer, to straighten your teeth. "Traintrack" braces
are very good at straightening teeth so that they look better in months. It
is important to remember, however, that if the brace is removed too quickly
before the teeth have settled into their new positions, then the teeth
tend to go crooked again.
Q So how are the teeth kept straight after the fixed brace is removed?
A Usually we make
a removable brace called a retainer to wear at nights for at least 12
months. Sometimes a wire is fixed to the insides of the teeth to
hold them straight. |
