Are you looking for an experienced orthodontist in Bedford?
At Bedford Specialist Orthodontic Practice we offer a range of different appliances accompanied by all the latest technology. We also take the time to explain your treatment to you, and very importantly, what to expect and how to look after your brace or aligner. Below is a quick overview of how to care for the different treatment types.
Fixed Braces
Fixed braces are made up of brackets and wires. Brackets are small blocks attached to each tooth joined by wires that gently straighten the teeth. Because the brackets are stuck onto your teeth, you won’t be able to remove the brace during your treatment.
What will it feel like?
- When the brace is first fitted, it will feel very strange and possibly temporarily uncomfortable for a few days.
- It is likely that for the first few days, your teeth will ache because of the pressure the brace puts on them. If this is the case, you may find a painkiller helps, what you might normally take for a headache will be fine. If the wires are rubbing your gums or mouth we will give you wax to use for protection. This soreness is temporary.
How do I look after it?
- Cleaning – wearing a brace can make keeping your teeth clean much more difficult, so you’ll need to be very thorough with your dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth three times a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential. If you don’t look after your teeth while you’re wearing your brace, they may become damaged underneath the braces. Continue to visit your regular dentist and hygienist during treatment as normal.
- Eating and chewing – fixed braces can break so you should avoid biting into anything hard or chewy throughout your treatment. Cut up hard and crunchy foods such as apples and French bread into small pieces before eating. Avoid chewing on pens, pencils or fingernails during your treatment. Fizzy, soft and acidic drinks should be avoided during treatment.
- Playing sports – if you play contact sports like rugby or hockey please ask us about a specially designed mouth-guard to protect your teeth and brace from sports injury. It can be easily remoulded as your teeth straighten.
- Playing instruments – If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument, it may take several weeks for you to adapt to playing your instrument with the brace in your mouth. This will become easier with time and more comfortable the more you practice.
Removable Braces and Aligners
What will it feel like?
If you have a removable brace or aligners such as Invisalign, it will have been carefully made to fit your mouth exactly.
- Initially it will feel strange and for the first few days it may feel a little uncomfortable.
- Your speech is likely to be affected however this will be temporary and be normal again after a few days, you will soon get used to it.
How do I look after it?
- To keep your removable brace or aligner clean, brush it gentle with water and a brush, also soak it in Retainer Brite 2-4 times a week to remove bacteria. Don’t use toothpaste to clean your brace.
- Remove your brace or aligners briefly to eat, drink and brush and floss your teeth. Keep your brace or aligners in their box when they are not in your mouth, to avoid losing them.
- We will regularly assess your appliance progress but it’s also important that you continue to visit your general dentist for regular check-ups.
Gumshields and Braces
At Bedford Specialist Orthodontic Practice we can also supply you with a gum shield, if you play contact sports. Wearing a gumshield, whether you are wearing a brace or not, is advisable for all activities where there is a reasonable chance of physical contact and essential for contact sports e.g. rugby, hockey, lacrosse. If your brace gets damaged for any reason, contact us immediately so we can help.
Gumshields can be:
- Custom-made – these are made specially for you from a mould of your teeth.
- Over-the-counter- these can be standard or mouldable. We only recommend using the mouldable type as the fit is usually much better.
Please ask your orthodontist the gumshield we recommend for your mouth to keep your teeth safe.
