Specialist Orthodontic Solutions

Braces Care & Advice

Milngavie Orthodontics is your trusted local specialist, dedicated to providing expert orthodontic care and outstanding results for families across Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire.

Caring for Fixed Braces

It is normal to experience some discomfort within a few hours of having your brace fitted. This usually settles within a few days. Here are some useful tips to help look after your brace.

  • Brush your teeth 2-3 times daily. You should always ensure your toothbrush bristles are pointing towards the gum to ensure the white-sticky substance (plaque) is effectively removed from your teeth.
  • An alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash is useful to take to school/work so that you can rinse your mouth in an event that you are unable to brush your teeth.
  • Plain milk and water should be consumed in between meals; it is the safest drink for your teeth. Fizzy juice and fruit juice can cause decay around the teeth and around the brace.
  • White permanent scars can occur on the teeth if you consume sugary drinks and do not brush your teeth properly.
  • Continuous breakages of the brace should not occur, if this does happen you will need to review your diet. Repeat breakages of the braces can cause prolonged treatment times.
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Caring for Functional Braces

These braces need your patience, they are wonderful braces and work beautifully to help correct your bite, although they can feel as if a double decker bus has been parked in your mouth at the first visit!

  • These braces take 2-3 weeks to get used to. It's important to wear them 24 hours a day, removing for eating, cleaning and sports.
  • Keep your brace in a hard box when not being worn This helps keep it safe, clean and free from damage
  • Use liquid soap and warm water to clean your brace Avoid using boiling water as this will break the appliance.

Most patients with these braces become used to wearing them. It is important to stay positive throughout your treatment, if you wear them well then you will reduce the overall treatment time.

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Caring for Removable Braces

These braces are often used to correct the bite, to move one or two teeth or to expand the jaws

  • These braces need to be worn 24 hours per day, removed only for cleaning or sport
  • It is important that these braces are used when eating
  • Store in a hard box when not in use and away from dogs - they love to chew them!
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Caring for Retainers

Retainers are the most important part of the orthodontic treatment. Without them, your teeth will move out of alignment and can become crooked again.

There are several types of retainers, they can be made from a clear plastic or can be in the form of a wire placed at the back of your teeth. There are advantages and disadvantages to different types of retainers

  • Retainers must be worn indefinitely as your teeth will continue to move as you get older (this is inevitable!).
  • Your orthodontist will be happy to discuss what type of retainer is best for you.
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