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Separators

Separators are small elastic rings that are placed between the back teeth. They create small spaces between those back teeth so that orthodontic metal bands can be fitted around them. Depending on the crowding, patients may feel a degree of discomfort as the spaces open up but they are usually left in just overnight. If a separator falls out, please contact us.

Fixed braces

After initial placement of the braces, your lips will feel like they are sticking out. If the brace is rubbing against the inside of your lips or cheeks, you may need to apply wax from time to time to prevent mouth ulcers from occurring. Slight discomfort of the teeth will begin a few hours after your braces are fitted. If necessary, you may wish to take mild painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for headaches (Always follow the instructions on the packet with regards to how much you should take). Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, use some relief wax to cover it. Make certain you have your usual check up appointments for ordinary dental treatment.

Removable Braces

It may take a few days to get used to your brace. To begin with, you may find it uncomfortable whilst speaking and eating, but you must keep it in. A good tip is to read out loud to yourself  and you will find your speech improving very quickly. Your brace should always be in your mouth, including at night except for contact sports and swimming, when it should be kept in a container in a safe place and worn immediately afterwards. To remove your brace, apply force to the clasps around the teeth at the back, with your fingers for an upper brace and your thumbs for a lower brace. Keep your brace and teeth well brushed and clean before bedtime, on waking up and after meals.

Make certain you have your usual check up appointments for ordinary dental treatment.

Retainers

It is absolutely essential for retainers to be worn according to the instructions provided by the orthodontist. Your retainers are just as important as your braces. If the retainers are not worn as instructed, your teeth will move back towards how they were before treatment. Retainers should be worn at night time in the long-term to make sure that your teeth stay straight. This is because we now know that teeth move throughout life. Your retainers should be cleaned with a toothbrush and water, without any toothpaste. Toothpaste will discolour the retainer. It is also important not to wash the retainers in boiling water. The retainers can also be freshened up by using Retainer Brite cleaner which is available at the pharmacist or at our office. You should never eat or drink when you are wearing the retainer.

Please note that fixed retainers encourage the accumulation of food and plaque. They need to be cleaned thoroughly daily and checked at six monthly intervals by your dentist or orthodontist.