How to care for your fixed braces

This advice is for patients who have been fitted with fixed metal, white or Damon braces.

Your teeth may be tender at first

For the first few days, your teeth may become tender as they start to move. This is only temporary and will settle down. You may also develop some ulcers in your mouth but this only lasts a few days too. We will give you some special wax to put over the brace, to make things easier for you.

Be careful of what you eat

Try to eat carefully and gently. All food should be cut into small pieces especially fruit such as apples.

You should avoid the following foods and habits:

Hard foods e.g. toffees, boiled sweets, mints, pizza crusts
Sticky foods e.g. chewing gum
Sugary food and drink e.g. fizzy drinks
Biting finger nails, pen lids
Peanuts, popcorn, pork crackling
Crisps

If you are wearing white braces, try not to stain your elastics by avoiding:

Keep your teeth and braces clean

When we fit your braces, we will show you how to clean around your braces, and show you some special toothbrushes to use. Cleveland Orthodontics sell these special brushes at reception. If you don’t keep your teeth and braces clean, you can damage your teeth during the treatment. When the braces are taken off, the teeth may be stained brown.

Use a fluoride mouthwash every day

Fluoride mouthwash helps to keep your teeth healthy during treatment. We advise that you use a mouthwash with 0.05 % sodium fluoride after you brush your teeth and braces. We also sell the recommended fluoride mouthwash at reception.

Please keep your appointments wherever possible

If you fail to attend, or cancel at short notice, it may be several months before we can arrange another one for you. If more than one appointment is missed, we may not be able to provide treatment.

Telephone us if you have any problems

If you have any problems, e.g. if you have broken your brace, please telephone the practice on 01642 243 080 during opening hours, and we will give you an appointment. Or you can leave a message on the answer machine, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.