FA Inst 2015 - Park OrthodonticsOrthodontics%February%2015% 01413325107% % Care%of%Your%Fixed%Orthodontic% Appliances% Thesearegeneral%guidelines%for%patients%being...

Park  Orthodontics  February  2015  01413325107    

Care  of  Your  Fixed  Orthodontic  

Appliances  

These  are  general  guidelines  for  patients  being  treated  with  fixed  orthodontic  appliances.  

If  you  have  any  queries  please  ask,  we  are  here  to  help  you.  

Fixed  appliances  consist  of  metal  or  ceramic  brackets  glued  to  the  front  or  back  of  teeth.  These  components  are  connected  by  a  horseshoe-­‐shaped  archwire.  The  brackets  and  bands  are  not  removed  until  the  end  of  treatment,  however,  certain  components  of  the  appliance  (such  as  the  archwire)  may  be  changed  during  treatment.  

You  may  experience  a  small  amount  of  discomfort  when  the  appliance  is  first  fitted  and  after  each  adjustment  appointment.  This  will  normally  settle  after  a  few  days,  but  mild  pain  killers  such  as  paracetamol  may  be  helpful.  

The  metal  attachments  themselves  can  irritate  the  inside  of  the  lips  and  cheeks  and  are  particularly  noticeable  when  first  fitted.  You  may  need  to  apply  some  soft  wax  over  the  surface  of  the  brackets  or  bands  to  prevent  discomfort.  

It  is  essential  that  you  keep  your  appliance  and  teeth  clean.  If  plaque  and  food  debris  are  allowed  to  collect  around  the  appliance  staining  and  discolouration  of  the  enamel  and  tooth  decay  can  occur.  A  diet  high  in  sugar  is  likely  to  make  this  worse,  therefore  sweets  and  sugary  drinks  (such  as  cola  and  lemonade)  should  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible.    We  recommend  using  interdental  brushes  and  a  special  toothpaste  called  ‘Tooth  Mousse’.  

Your  appliance  is  very  delicate  and  easily  damaged.  Hard  or  sticky  food  such  as  toffees  and  chewing  gum  must  be  avoided  altogether.  Any  other  foods  which  are  part  of  your  normal  diet  but  which  would  require  hard  chewing  should  be  cut  into  small,  manageable  pieces.  

Breakages  are  less  likely  to  happen  if  you  follow  the  instructions  above.  If  you  break  your  appliance  please  telephone  us  during  normal  working  hours  so  that  arrangements  can  be  made  to  repair  it.  When  you  attend  for  routine  appointments,  please  tell  us  immediately  if  you  suspect  that  part  of  your  appliance  has  become  loose  or  damaged.  

In  the  later  stages  of  treatment  elastic  bands  may  be  placed  on  your  appliances  (usually  connecting  the  upper  and  lower  braces)  to  help  move  your  teeth  into  the  correct  position.  You  will  be  shown  how  to  place  these  yourself.  Elastics  are  an  essential  part  of  treatment  and  must  be  worn  as  instructed.  Normally  this  should  be  full  time,  although  they  must  be  taken  off  when  cleaning  your  teeth.  Once  you  have  been  given  elastics  to  wear,  assume  that  you  will  need  to  wear  them  until  the  end  of  treatment,  or  until  you  are  instructed  otherwise.  

Normal  sports  mouthguards  cannot  be  worn  with  fixed  appliances,  however,  special  mouthguards  can  be  provided  if  you  need  them.  Please  ask  for  further  details  of  cost.    

Please  see  our  website,  www.parkorthodontics.co.uk  for  detailed  instructions  and  recommendations.  

Park  Orthodontics  February  2015  01413325107