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Looking After Your Appliances
Fixed Braces – metal or ceramic
Whether you’re wearing traditional metal braces or more discreet ceramic braces, these appliances stay attached to your teeth throughout your treatment, and proper care is essential.
What will a fixed brace feel like?
- When a fixed brace is first fitted, it will feel very strange and possibly temporarily uncomfortable for a few days.
- It is likely that for the first few days, your teeth will ache because of the pressure the brace puts on them. If this is the case, you may find a painkiller helps, what you might normally take for a headache will be fine. This feeling is temporary.
- If the wires are rubbing your gums or mouth, remember that this soreness will go away. We will give you wax to use for protection and show you how to place it on the parts of your brace that are rubbing.
Key Tips
- Brush after every meal with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Use interdental brushes or orthodontic flossers to clean around brackets and under wires
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods (like popcorn, chewing gum, and toffee)
- Cut harder fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) into small pieces
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
- Attend all adjustment appointments as scheduled
- Contact us if a bracket breaks or a wire becomes loose
Removable Braces and Clear Aligners
Clear aligners and removable appliances are removable, discreet, and easy to manage, but they still need daily care and to be worn as instructed, to ensure your treatment progresses effectively.
What will it a removable appliance feel like?
If you have a removable brace or aligners such as Invisalign, it will have been carefully made to fit your mouth exactly.
- Initially it will feel strange and for the first few days it may feel a little tight or even uncomfortable, but this will soon pass.
- Your speech might be affected however this will be temporary and be normal again after a few days, you will soon get used to it.
Key Tips
- Wear aligners 20–22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink (except water) and brush
- Always brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss after eating and drinking
- Rinse your aligners with clean water every time you take them out
- Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water – avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic
- Use specialist aligner cleaning crystals or solutions weekly
- Store aligners in their case when not in use, never wrap in tissue (they often get thrown away!)
- Take a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you when out, so you can clean your teeth after eating if you’re not at home
Watch Our Brace Care Videos
Fixed Appliance
Care Instructions
Fixed Braces
Oral Hygiene
Fixed Braces
Dietary Advice
Fixed Appliance
Wearing a Gum Shield
Invisalign Aligners
Care Instructions
Functional Appliance
Care Instructions
Removable Retainer
Care Instructions
Bonded Retainer
Care Instructions
Why is Oral Hygiene Important during Orthodontic Treatment?
Good oral hygiene is essential during treatment.
- Plaque and food can build up around braces or under aligners, leading to gum problems, decay, or staining.
- Wearing a brace can make keeping your teeth clean more difficult, so you’ll need to be very thorough with your dental hygiene.
- Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent cavities, gum disease, and permanent white spots on teeth, because braces trap food and plaque.
- Keep up with dental check-ups with your regular dentist.
- Schedule regular hygiene appointments for professional cleaning.
Eating and Drinking during Orthodontic Treatment
Take care with what you eat and drink during treatment.
- Avoid sugary snacks and fizzy drinks.
- If you have fixed braces, the wires can break if you eat crunchy or hard foods like nuts, pizza crusts, apples, raw carrots and hard biscuits. If you’re going to have hard foods, cut them up into small pieces first.
- Avoid sticky foods like toffees or chewy sweets as they can damage the wires on your braces and cause decay.
- If you have removable aligners, you’ll take them out to eat. The only thing you should drink while wearing removable aligners is water. You can enjoy other drinks when you’re not wearing your aligners but minimise the amount you remove them as they need to be in for between 20 – 22 hours a day.
FAQs on Looking After Your Braces or Aligners
What foods should I avoid with fixed braces?
Avoid sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy foods that could damage your brackets or wires – like toffees, popcorn, chewing gum, crusty bread, and nuts.
Can I drink fizzy drinks or juice with aligners in?
No, only water should be consumed while wearing aligners. Remove them to drink anything else, as sugary or acidic drinks can stain and damage the aligners.
How often should I clean my aligners?
Clean your aligners at least twice daily – ideally every time you brush your teeth. Use cool water and a soft toothbrush, or an aligner cleaning solution.
What happens if a bracket breaks or wire comes loose?
Contact us as soon as possible. Don’t try to fix it yourself. We’ll schedule a repair appointment and advise you on what to do in the meantime.
How can I relieve discomfort from braces or aligners?
Mild discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments or new aligner sets. Use orthodontic wax for sharp brackets and take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Can I use an electric toothbrush with braces?
Yes, electric toothbrushes can be very effective with braces. Use a small head and brush gently around brackets and wires.
What if I forget to wear my aligners for a few hours?
Put them back in as soon as possible. If this happens often, your teeth may not track properly, so let us know if it becomes a pattern.
How do I floss with braces?
Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks. You can also use a water flosser for extra ease and thoroughness.
Can I chew gum with braces or aligners?
No, gum can stick to brackets or damage aligners. It’s best avoided during treatment.
What should I do if I lose my aligners?
Contact us right away. We’ll advise whether to move forward, back a set, or order a replacement. Don’t try to skip ahead without guidance.
Need Help with Your Appliance?
Our team at IQ Braces & Faces is here to support you at every step of your orthodontic journey. Whether you need guidance on cleaning, have broken a bracket, or simply want a refresher on how to care for your aligners, just get in touch – we’re always happy to help.
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