Looking after your braces

Removable Appliances

Removable appliances are specially made by a skilled technician for your mouth. They deserve to be handled with care!

When fitting the appliance into your mouth, you must take care to ensure that the springs are placed in the correct positions. Once you are sure, the appliance can be fully fitted.

How often should I wear my removable appliance?

Unless otherwise instructed, your removable appliance should be worn at all times – 24 hours a day, seven days a week including for eating. In most cases, eating with the appliance in place is of particular importance with regard to treatment success. It is not an optional extra!

When you are wearing your brace do not play with it in your mouth (such as clicking it up and down). This can break your brace and has the added effect of annoying your friends and relatives!

How do I remove my brace?

When removing your brace, always use the clips at the back. This will help prevent damage to the delicate wires that move your teeth.

We recommend removing your brace after each meal and cleaning your teeth. You will need to clean your brace by running it under cold water using a toothbrush to remove any stubborn food debris and then replace it back in your mouth.

Fixed Braces

Due to the fact they remain in the mouth for the duration of treatment they must be cleaned on a regular basis. This should be morning and night and after every meal.

How do I clean my Fixed Braces?

Fixed appliances should be cleaned by regular brushing around and between the brackets at least three times a day, especially after meals. A fluoride mouth rinse is recommended on a regular basis. Small brushes are available to help with cleaning awkward areas.

Failure to keep the appliances clean can lead to decay or permanent staining of the teeth.

Dietary Advice

Sticky foods, chewing gum, hard crusty bread, toast, pizza or any hard or excessively fibrous foods should be avoided. Food such as apples should be cut up into small pieces before being chewed gently on the back teeth.

Fizzy drinks should be avoided. These contain acids which can damage your teeth, especially if they are not kept clean. However, if you must, please drink through a straw. This helps keep the acids away from your teeth!

What should I do if I break my appliance?

If you break your appliance this is likely to increase the length of treatment, In addition you will need an extra visit to have the appliance repaired. Contact the practice as soon as possible for advice and to book a repair appointment.