These braces must be worn all of the time and are only taken out for cleaning. They are good for solving simple problems, such as moving a single tooth, but they can also be used for complex problems, for example when the position of the jawline (in a growing patient) needs to be improved.
FAQ
Will it be painful?
No. Anything more than very minor discomfort, come back and see us
How else might it affect me?
Your speech will be different. Practice speaking with the brace in place e.g. read out aloud at home on your own, and in this way your speech will return to normal within a couple of days.
You may also find yourself swallowing a lot to begin with. This is quite normal and will quickly pass.
Can I eat normally?
Yes, keep the brace in for all meal-times. You will struggle for the first couple of days, but persevere and very soon you will hardly notice it!
How about cleaning?
Take the brace out after a meal and rinse it under the tap. Take the brace out in the morning and at night-times, brush the teeth and brush the brace with tooth-brush and tooth-paste.
Can I remove the brace?
Only for cleaning and contact sports i.e. rugby.
How about sports?
There is no reason why the brace cannot be worn perfectly safely for most sports, provided it is fitting properly. For contact sports, e.g. rugby, take the brace out and keep it in a protective box. Put the brace straight back in your mouth afterwards.
How long will the treatment take?
Any more than six months and there’s a problem
How often will I need appointments?
Usually about every six weeks. If you have a problem, ring for an appointment sooner.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist?
Yes. It will be important you still have checkups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.