Instruction to patients wearing fixed appliances

The appliance that you are wearing is cemented to your teeth and is made up of several small and delicate parts. Success in treatment depends very much on your looking after it carefully.

1. Your teeth may be tender for a couple of days after the appliance is first fitted. This should soon wear off and you should quickly become used to the appliance. After each adjustment again the teeth may become slightly tender. Painkillers should be used for up to two days but if the pain persists contact the practice.
2. Avoid sticky foods, especially toffee and chewing gum. Cut very hard foods into small pieces such as carrots, apples and hard crusts, as these may damage the appliance. Avoid fizzy drinks, sweet drinks, sugar and sweets as these will dissolve surface enamel causing permanent damage.
3. Check each band and bracket daily and report breakages as soon as possible.
4. It is essential that you keep the appliance and your teeth scrupulously clean. After each meal and before going to bed, stand in front of the mirror and clean your teeth and appliance very carefully. Do not be afraid to brush the appliance, as well as your gums and your teeth, with a small/compact head toothbrush and also use one of the new flexible toothbrushes with round-ended nylon bristles.
5. Disclose your teeth regularly during treatment to ensure effective tooth brushing.
6. Do not hesitate to contact the practice for an immediate appointment under the following circumstances:
   • If the teeth or gums become excessively sore.
   • If any part of the appliance becomes bent, loose or broken. If any parts do break off, please bring them to the practice with you.
7. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please contact the clinic as early as possible beforehand. If you unavoidably miss an appointment, write or call for a new appointment immediately.
8. It is important to continue to visit your own Dental Practitioner so that he may carry out check-ups and any other dental procedures, which he may find necessary.
9. Fluoride mouth rinse should be used daily throughout orthodontic treatment. It can be purchased from any large supermarket/Practice.
10. Bring your toothbrush every time you come and see us and always clean your teeth thoroughly just before each appointment.

APPLIANCES MUST NOT BE WORN FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT SUPERVISION

If you have any queries, or require further information please contact the:

The Hitchin Orthodontic Practice
47 Bancroft
Hitchin
SG5 1LA
01462 435400

Treatments info

Ceramic Braces
Decayed or damaged teeth
Fixed Appliances
Functional Appliances
Invisalign
Lingual orthodontics/ Incognito
Missing teeth
Removable braces
Types of malocclusion

General dental information

Flossing
Interdental brushing
Tongue cleaning
Tooth brushing
Information on wearing braces
Information on fixed appliances
Information on twin block