Good orthodontic treatment results can only be attained with cooperative and informed patients and parents. Successful treatment results from the team effort of patients, parents, clinic staff and the orthodontist.

 

For best results in the optimum time, you are advised to

• Keep to scheduled appointments
• Practice good oral hygiene 
• Wear the rubber bands, headgear or retainers as instructed. Failure to comply is the most common cause of inferior results and increased treatment time
• Care for the braces to reduce breakage. Call the clinic immediately should you experience loose or broken appliances
• Eat a well-balanced diet

 

Not keeping to these rules could force your orthodontist to

change the procedures and goals of your treatment. Treatment

may be suspended, leading to possible problems involving

teeth, gums, jaw joints or severe relapse of tooth positions.

 

Cooperation throughout treatment is your best way of ensuring

a pleasing smile and a good bite at the end of treatment.

Do remember that following directions and recommendations

are your responsibility. Your orthodontist will encourage you,

but cannot assume responsibility for you.

 

Care of your braces

 

• The appliance is fixed onto your teeth and you must not attempt to remove or adjust it. If your band becomes loose or the appliance is damaged, please inform your orthodontist and an appointment will be arranged for you to be seen as soon as possible.
• Initially, there may be some discomfort and soreness of the lip, cheeks, gums and teeth. This will decline with the wear of the appliance. Should it become severe, please contact your orthodontist.
• Foods to avoid are sticky sweets, chewing gum, toffee, hard foods, tough meat etc., which can damage the appliance.
• The appliance itself cannot harm teeth, but food and bacteria which accumulate around it and if not removed, can lead to decay and gum disease.

 

Cleaning your teeth

 

Braces, wires, bands and retainers all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of harmful bacteria, food, saliva and debris which, if allowed to build up, can attack your teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease. Brushing and flossing after every meal and

snack is the only way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. Your orthodontist or the dental surgery assistant will be able to show you how to brush and floss using the correct technique.