Looking After Your Brace
At Maple Orthodontics we know that brushing thoroughly during your orthodontic treatment is crucial to your well-being and oral health. We pride ourselves on giving our patients full instructions on how to clean and maintain their brace and we expect everyone to sustain excellent levels of oral hygiene throughout.
Advice for all brace types
- Oral hygiene is extremely important for everyone but when you are having orthodontic treatment it becomes crucial that you are extra vigilant with the techniques you use. Also use interdental brushes for a thorough clean.
- Brush your teeth after eating, whether you have a fixed brace or removable aligners like Invisalign. Carry a travel toothbrush and paste with you.
- The practice has Brace Care Packs for purchase at reception.
- It is very important to visit your own dentist and hygienist regularly throughout treatment as they still need to monitor the health of your teeth and gums.
- Let us know as soon as possible if your brace is lost or damaged and you can’t wear it. We will advise you what to do and whether you need to make an emergency appointment.
Looking after fixed braces
- When wearing a fixed brace cut all your food into smaller pieces. Biting directly into hard food like apples or carrots with your front teeth may loosen or damage the bracket components.
- If you find some of the wires are rubbing your gums or cheeks we advise you to use brace wax. Tear off a small piece of wax and roll it into a little ball, gently stick this over any part of your braces that feels sharp to your tongue or cheeks. This is usually only needed for the first few weeks.
- Biting your fingernails or pens may also result in damage to your braces and do not touch, play with, or pick at your braces.
Diet advice for fixed braces
When you’re wearing a fixed brace your diet will need be altered to avoid damaging your brace. You will need to:
- Avoid sugary foods and snacks, sweets and chocolates.
- Avoid hard or sticky/chewy foods, such as toffee, chewing gum, chocolates, nuts and hard crusty bread.
- When eating apples or raw vegetables make sure you cut them up into small pieces.
- Avoid all fizzy drinks as these are acidic and can erode tooth enamel.
Looking after removable aligner braces
- Clean your aligners gently everyday with a toothbrush (holding it too firmly or applying any pressure can break it).
- Once a week use a sterilising solution like Retainer Brite.
- Your aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day and only removed for eating, tooth brushing or special occasions. Brush your teeth following every time you eat and before you put your aligners back in.
- When not in your mouth do not put your aligners in a tissue or in your pocket as they are easily lost or damaged. Always keep them in a special plastic case for aligners to keep them safe.
