Life With Braces
Getting braces is a big step, and we want your experience to be as smooth as possible. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your teeth, eating well and staying comfortable on the way to your new smile.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
ACTUAL PATIENTThe first few days with your brace
It's completely normal for a new brace to feel a little strange at first. Here's what to expect.
Some tenderness is normal
Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after your brace is fitted, and after each adjustment. This settles as your mouth adapts.
Orthodontic wax helps
If a bracket or wire rubs your lips or cheeks, press a little orthodontic wax over it for relief.
Start with softer foods
Stick to softer foods for the first few days while everything settles in.
ACTUAL PATIENTCleaning your teeth with braces
Good cleaning matters more than ever with a fixed brace. Plaque around your brackets can lead to gum inflammation and permanent marks on the teeth, so keeping everything clean throughout treatment is really important.
Brush thoroughly after meals, and take a little extra care to:
- Brush around every bracket and along the wires
- Clean carefully along the gumline
- Use an interdental brush or TePe between the brackets
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
- Use floss with a threader where you can
- Try disclosing tablets to spot any missed plaque
- Tell us if your gums bleed or feel sore
Eating with braces
You don't have to give up the foods you love. Softer foods, pasta, cooked vegetables, yoghurt, fish, bananas and most everyday meals are all fine, so you certainly won't go hungry.
A few things are best avoided or eaten with care to protect your brace:
- Hard foods such as hard sweets, ice and popcorn kernels
- Sticky or chewy foods such as toffee and chewing gum
- Foods you bite into such as apples, carrots and crusty bread, which are best cut into smaller pieces
Playing sports and instruments with braces
Braces don't have to stop you enjoying your hobbies. It can take a week or two to get comfortable playing an instrument, and a little dental wax eases any early discomfort.
For sport, we recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth while you play.
Something wrong with your brace?
Little issues crop up from time to time. Here’s what to do, and when to get in touch.
Broken bracket
If a bracket comes loose, leave it in place if you can and call us to arrange a repair.
Wire digging in
Cover the end with orthodontic wax, and gently tuck it back with a clean cotton bud if you need to. Call us if it stays uncomfortable.
Loose wire
Hold it in place with wax and get in touch so we can sort it at your next visit, or sooner if needed.
Lost elastic
Don't worry, just let us know and we'll replace it.
Brace feels uncomfortable
Some tenderness is normal after fitting and adjustments. If it doesn't settle, give us a call.
Trauma to teeth or brace
If you have a knock to the mouth, contact us as soon as possible so we can check everything is fine.
Appointments and extra help
Adjustment appointments. At each visit we’ll check your progress, make any adjustments and explain the next steps. Please tell us if anything has broken before your appointment.
Help keeping your brace clean. Need a hand? Our hygienist can give your teeth a professional clean and extra advice to keep them healthy throughout treatment.
ACTUAL PATIENTGoing on holiday with braces?
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s what to pack and check before you travel.
Pack orthodontic wax
Take plenty so you can cover any bracket or wire that starts to rub while you're away.
Interdental brushes
Keep cleaning around your brackets as normal, wherever your travels take you.
Spare elastics
If you've been prescribed elastics, pack extra so you never run out mid-trip.
Continue Dental Monitoring
If you're on Dental Monitoring, keep taking your scans so we can follow your progress remotely.
Check in before you go
If anything doesn't feel right, contact us before you travel so we can sort it in good time.
ACTUAL PATIENTStart your braces journey with confidence
Thinking about braces or want to know more about what life with them is like? At your free consultation we'll answer your questions, explain what to expect and help you choose the best treatment for your lifestyle.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION