45a Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen,
County Fermanagh, BT74 6GU
028 6632 5545
All the useful information you will need
If there is anything you would like to know about looking after your braces, we have compiled all the information for you here. For any other queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our Enniskillen practice team is always happy to help new and existing patients.
Fixed appliances
Are you suffering from initial discomfort or problems with fixed braces? They are designed to be as smooth as possible. It usually takes a few days for your mouth to adapt to the appliance.
If the appliance rubs your mouth, wax is available from the practice. A small piece of this should be applied to the part of the appliance which is causing you discomfort. After each routine adjustment a little discomfort is also likely. If discomfort continues, please call the practice for an emergency appointment.
If you break your appliance, it is important to contact the practice as soon as possible for an emergency appointment. Breakages can prolong treatment and undo any previous progress that may have been made. If you play contact sports, we recommend a gum shield is worn.
Cleaning fixed appliances
Appliances should be cleaned with regular brushing around and between the brackets at least four times a day, especially after meals. Use an interdental brush to clean under the wires. We recommend that a fluoride mouthwash is used daily. If the appliance is not kept clean it can lead to decay or permanent staining of the teeth. Our nurses will guide you through a programme on how to look after your appliances.
Chewing gum, sticky sweets, crusty bread or any other hard foods should be avoided. Food such as apples should be cut up into small pieces before eating. Fizzy drinks must also be avoided. These contain acids, which can damage your teeth, especially if they're not kept spotlessly clean.
Functional twin block orthodontic appliances
These removable braces are designed to hold the bottom teeth forward. This moves the lower jaw forward a little and, at the same time, pulls the upper front teeth back. This brace should be worn full-time in order to work properly and only taken out when eating or playing a contact sport.
You may experience some discomfort for a few days. If necessary, you can take painkillers – please read the label and make sure you take the correct dosage. With these appliances, perseverance is required. Remember the more you wear it, the better and quicker your results will be.
When you remove your brace, always place it in a plastic container, which you can purchase from the practice. Never wrap it in a tissue, as you may forget about it and accidentally throw it out. You can clean your appliance with cold water, toothpaste and your toothbrush.
Retainers
At the end of treatment you'll be provided with a removable retainer to help keep the new alignment of your teeth. If you don’t wear your retainer, teeth can quickly move back to their original positions and all the hard work will be undone.
Retainers can be kept clean by using cold water, toothpaste and your toothbrush. Never use hot water as this will distort them. A solution called ‘Retainer Brite’ can also be used to clean your retainers thoroughly. Some people may have a ‘bonded retainer’ fitted at the end of treatment. This is a permanent wire which is fitted to the inside of the teeth and cannot be seen. It stays on indefinitely and will also keep the alignment after treatment. Good hygiene is required with this to avoid any problems. Take care when brushing and with what you eat. If this breaks it is very important that you contact the practice to have this repaired as quickly as possible.
Any questions about caring for your braces? Call us now on
028 6632 5545
You can also arrange a consultation with Cassidy & McCreesh via the contact form below.