Download Patient information leaflet Fixed appliances A fixed brace is used to

Patient information leaflet
Fixed appliances
A fixed brace is used to straighten crooked teeth like this
Frequently asked questions
Will it be painful?
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary
you can take pain killers, such as ones you would take for a headache.
When the braces are first placed they can rub your cheeks, just like a new pair of
shoes would rub your feet at first. This can be used by using relief wax which will be
discussed with you in detail when the braces are placed.
Can I remove the brace?
No, the brace is fixed to your teeth for the duration of your treatment. You should not
try to remove it, as this may damage your teeth.
Can I eat normally?
No, your diet will change drastically. This is why deciding to have braces is such a big
decision. Not only do you have to avoid certain foods such as crunchy and sticky
foods. You also have to really limit your sugar intake, such as sweets, chocolate and
fizzy drinks. Not only does this benefit your teeth but it also ensures your treatment
time is not extended.
This is a picture of a patient who continued to intake sugary snacks and drinks.
As you can see here
permanent white marks
have been left behind
from where the brace
was placed.
This is due to sugary
drinks and snacks
combined with poor
cleaning.
Can I still brush my teeth?
It is important to brush your teeth well for at least 3 minutes, twice a day. Use
fluoride toothpaste using the “spit don’t rinse” technique.
Brushing will take longer as there are now more areas to clean and the introduction
of cleaning interdentally and in between the brackets. It is a good idea to also use an
alcohol free mouthwash at a different time to brushing, maybe at school or after
meals at home.
You will be told about your cleaning by the orthodontist or orthodontic therapist at
every single brace adjustment to ensure it will not get to the stage shown above.
Braces will never be placed if cleaning to start off with is not good.
How long does treatment take?
Approximately 12-18 months, this can be different however depending on your type
of treatment and severity of teeth.
Braces can take much longer than this if breakages are frequent however, every time
bracket brakes of the tooth it will set you back a visit. EG- if we are due to step up a
wire size but brackets have broken we cannot proceed into that wire size; we may
have to stay in the one we are in for a visit whist the brackets are repaired.
Will I need another brace wants my treatment has finished?
Once your braces have been removed i.e. the “active treatment” you will then be
given some “passive” retainers to hold your teeth in position indefinitely. This will be
during the day and night initially and then just every night time.
How often will I have to see you?
It can vary from once a month to once every 8 weeks to have your brace adjusted.
It is important you attend these appointments, not only for the health of your teeth
but to prevent any delay in treatment.
Do I still need to see my dentist?
Yes, it’s very important you continue to see your normal dentist every 6 months.
Can I play contact sports?
Yes, however it’s recommended you wear a gum shield for heavy contact sports like
rugby or boxing. We use gum shields that are endorsed by the British orthodontic
society called shock doctor. They will see you through your whole treatment.
Can I play musical instruments?
A brace may make it difficult to play to play wind or brass pipe, this will need to be
discussed with your orthodontics or music teacher. Very rarely will braces affect this
however.
What if my brace breaks?
Ring up for an appointment as soon as possible if you are in pain. If you are not in pain
you are ok to wait for your next appointment, you may however need to let the
receptionist know so your appointment can be adjusted accordingly. Emergency
appointments for breakages are for 5 minutes only; the brace may not be repaired
but just made comfortable for you. It can take 10 minutes or more to repair a brace
depending on how many components there are.
Points to remember
 The brace needs to be treated like an expensive piece of jewellery
 Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods
 Avoid too many sugary drinks
 Brush your teeth for at least 3 minutes 2 times a day
 Use a fluoride mouthwash at a different time to brushing
 Don’t rinse your toothpaste away after brushing, let the bubbles sit on your
teeth
 Visit your normal dentist regularly
 Treatment takes 12 months-2 years
 Retainers will be worn indefinitely at the end of treatment
The practice can be contacted on
01942 722224
Monday-wed 8.45-6pm
Thursday 8.45-730pm
Friday 8-1
Orthodontic appointments are available
Mon, Tues, Thurs 8-45 till 5-30
Friday 9-1