Discomfort
Your brace may feel strange to begin with. Your teeth may feel sore and the brace may rub your lips and cheeks. But this will ease off and you’ll soon get used to wearing the brace.
To help with pain take the same medicine that you would for a headache (follow the directions for use). Use comfort wax if the brace rubs. Mouth ulcers are common but should clear up within a couple of weeks.
Eating
Eat soft foods cut into small pieces to begin with. You can gradually start to eat other types of food after a few days. Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. Remember to cut up foods such as apples and carrots. Avoid sticky, chewy or hard sweets, mints and sugared chewing gum.
Drinking
Only drink plain milk or plain water between meals to avoid tooth decay.
Do not drink any fizzy drinks (including diet or sugar-free drinks). Do not drink any sports drinks.
Avoid sugar in your tea and coffee. Avoid fruit juices and smoothies between meals.
Cleaning your teeth and brace
Extra brushing is needed during treatment. You’ll be at more risk of tooth decay and gum disease whilst you are wearing a brace. The first sign of tooth decay is a white mark. You’ll find it harder to keep your teeth, gums and brace clean.
Brush your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and after all meals. Use an electric or manual toothbrush. You must also use an interdental brush or single-tufted brush to clean around the brackets and behind the wires.
Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride once a day to help prevent tooth decay. Use mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing, such as after lunch.
Habits
Do not bite your fingernails or chew pens. This can damage the brace, your teeth and gums.
Mouthguards
Wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports such as rugby. If you take part in activities that require a protective helmet such as roller-blading, skateboarding and horse riding, consider wearing a mouthguard. A mouthguard will protect both your mouth and the brace.
Musical instruments
You may find it more difficult at first to play your brass or wind instrument but with practise you’ll get used to it.
Breakages
Please ring the department as soon as possible on 01228 814225 if your brace is broken. Do not wait for your next appointment. If anything breaks or comes loose, your treatment may take longer.
Appointments
You’ll need regular appointments (usually every 6-8 weeks) to adjust the brace. Missed or cancelled appointments and repeated breakages will make your treatment take longer. Continue to see your regular dentist during treatment.
Look after your teeth and braces! Otherwise, your braces may be removed early even if treatment is not complete.
Useful websites
British Orthodontic Society – Patient Information Leaflets
Contact details
Orthodontic Department
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road
Carlisle
CA2 7HY
Tel: 01228 814225
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302