If you’re about to have fixed braces in Kent then you may be a little bit concerned about how they will feel, and how to look after them. Dr Rik Trivedi will give you lots of information on how to care for your braces at your appointment for fitting, and they may feel quite strange at first.
This is only natural as the brace will feel very strange to your cheeks, lips and tongue, but this is something you should soon become accustomed to. If parts of the brace feel particularly sharp you can always cover them up with a small piece of orthodontic wax or with a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum.
In addition you may have a little trouble speaking clearly for the first couple of days, but once again this is something that will quickly pass. Your fixed braces will immediately get to work within moving your teeth into their new positions, and you might find that your teeth feel slightly uncomfortable. This discomfort should start reducing quite soon although it may take some people a couple of weeks to become accustomed to this feeling. It’s something that can generally be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.
Cleaning Your Braces
You do need to be prepared to spend a little time cleaning fixed braces and it’s possible to buy a special braces toothbrushes that will help to keep your teeth clean while not causing any damage to your brace. You’ll probably find that you have to brush your teeth more frequently, and that the process takes a little longer. This is because you need to be prepared to brush after each meal, and most people will have to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste around them. It’s not necessary to use any special type of toothpaste other than a good quality fluoride paste, and you may also like to use a mouthwash to help wash away any loose particles of food. It’s possible to buy fluoride mouthwash that will help give your teeth a little extra protection.
Foods to Avoid
Fixed braces are attached to your teeth with brackets that are glued onto the teeth, but the glue isn’t particularly strong as is necessary to make sure the brackets can be easily removed without causing any damage. It’s worth avoiding chewy foods or foods that are very hard and which could damage your brace.
Even though fixed braces require a little bit of extra care they are well worth the effort and can provide results within a relatively short timeframe. If you have any problems with your braces then of course you should always call Parrock Dental and Implant Centre for advice.
Want to know more about braces? We have lots of information on all the different types offered on our website at www.parrockdental.co.uk. Alternatively you can call us to book a consultation to find out which type will work best for you. Phone us on 01474 537191.