Patient Aftercare at Park Orthodontics

Having braces fitted is painless, however afterwards some discomfort may be experienced as the wires start to move your teeth. Discomfort varies between individuals and may last for a couple of days. A painkiller, such as you would take for a headache should alleviate any discomfort, please follow the instructions on the packet.

As the teeth move they will feel like they are loose and this is normal. They will firm up again when they adjust to their new position. The brackets may feel strange initially and may rub on the inside of your lips and cheeks. After fitting your brace we will give you wax and show you how to place this on the brackets to prevent rubbing. Your mouth will quickly adjust to the brace and you can use wax until you get used to this.

You can play sport whilst wearing braces, indeed braces will help hold teeth in place if a trauma occurs! However a gum shield needs to be worn over the braces. It is also recommended to wear the gum shield whilst riding a bike, rollerskating or skateboarding i.e. during any contact or “high velocity” sports.

Most people can play their wind instruments without any problem. Removable appliances can be removed and safely stored until the music session is over. Professional musicians may find it more difficult to get clarity of notes, particularly high notes initially, but this will improve with time. When the appliance is removed there will likely be another period of adaptation. This can all be discussed during your consultation and there are steps Dr Alcock can take to maintain your musical performance.

Click here to download the orthodontic advice for musicians leaflet

 

Yes, good oral hygiene is imperative to ensure a good result from orthodontic treatment. Please attend your dentist for regular check ups and to have your teeth cleaned.

 

Healthy eating is very important whist undergoing orthodontic treatment, sugary food, and fizzy drinks need to be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Soft food should be chosen to avoid breakage of the appliances. Be careful with popcorn and cut up apples, pears and carrots instead of biting into them.

Foods to Avoid

* Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice

* Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips

* Sticky foods: caramels, gum

* Hard foods: nuts, candy

* Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

* Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

 

Good oral hygiene with three times daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, use of a fluorinated mouthwash and flossing using special interdental brushes is imperative during orthodontic treatment. The teeth may become scarred if this is forsaken, leaving unsightly marks and damaged teeth at the end of treatment.

 

As your appliance is stuck on with glue, it can be broken off by regular chewing forces. The more times it gets broken the longer treatment will take. On average for every breakage add 2 months to the treatment schedule. Success of treatment is patient dependent. Commitment to good oral health and care of the appliance will lead to shorter treatment times and an excellent result.

 

It occasionally happens that a piece of wire or a band may become loose and cause irritation. If the wire is causing discomfort, use the back of a spoon or the rubber on a pencil to tuck the wire under the arch-wire so that its out of the way. Wax may be placed over the area to help comfort until an appointment can be made with the orthodontist.

 

Retainers need to be kept in their plastic box when not in use and cleaned daily with a toothbrush and cold water. Don't use toothpaste which may cause discolouration and hot water will melt your retainers. ‘ Retainer Brite’ may be used to clean and freshen up your retainers. If you have a problem fitting your retainer please contact us immediately. Retainers are expensive to replace so look after them well if you want them to last.

More Information About Retainers

Information about retainers        How to look after your retainer

 

An orthodontic emergency occurs when you are experiencing severe pain, a wire is protruding or some part of the appliance has become loose or fallen off and is causing discomfort that can’t be allieved at home. Emergencies will be seen as soon as possible. It is best to familiarise yorself with the parts of the appliance so that you can inform reception of your problem.