Life with braces: top 6 things to do (and not do).

1. Manage discomfort

When braces first go on, your teeth can be a little tender and sensitive to cold for the first few days. This can also occur after adjustment appointments. This is completely normal and you’ll find things settle well within a few days. If necessary, take pain-relief products like Panadol or Nurofen to ease the discomfort (check with your dentist prior to taking any medication to ensure it’s appropriate for you).Wires and brackets can also cause irritation and ulceration in the early stages of treatment.

2. Watch what you eat

Be mindful of the foods that you eat once your braces have been placed. Hard foods like nuts, muesli bars, certain breads and fruits like apples can shear brackets off your teeth. Avoid these foods or cut them into more manageable sizes that can be placed towards the back of the mouth, avoiding teeth that are bracketed. Avoid eating sticky sweets or foods that’ll adhere to the brackets and teeth. These will be difficult to clean and remove. They’ll also increase your risk of developing tooth decay.

3. Brush regularly

Brush and floss your teeth after each meal. This is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Use the specialised brushes and floss in your take-home pack to clean thoroughly and regularly.

4. Use a mouthguard

It’s best to avoid playing contact sport while wearing braces, for obvious reasons. If you continue to play, using a custom-made dental sports mouthguard is essential for protection against trauma that could damage brackets or severely lacerate your lips or tongue.

5. Call us ASAP…

If you have a bracket come off a tooth or an elastic ligature come off a bracket, it’s important to contact us immediately. Our staff will advise you of how to manage the situation.

6. Keep smiling!

Orthodontic treatment can be long and arduous. However, the most important thing to remember is that the result will be worth it in the end. Taking care of your braces and teeth on a daily basis will help ensure that the result you get is the best possible one for you.

Call us on (02) 8889 1588.