Orthodontics

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Orthodontic treatment is a way of correcting teeth and jaws that are positioned incorrectly to improve their appearance.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. They can be used when a number of teeth need to be corrected. You will be able to eat normally while wearing a fixed appliance, however you should avoid certain foods such as sticky, chewy, hard and sugary foods because they can damage the appliance and your teeth. Chewing gum is not recommended as it can stick to your brace.  Fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices should be avoided as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic. They can also stain the orthodontic brackets.

Cleaning Your Fixed Brace

You should clean your teeth and the brace thoroughly after each meal, paying special attention to each individual tooth and the gum line around it. Use a small headed toothbrush such as the Sensodyne Search 3.5 or a specialised orthodontic brush with a fluoride toothpaste. The use of interdental brushes such as the Icon Interdentals are also recommended to clean between the teeth and around the brackets of your brace.

Removable Brace

Removable braces can be used to correct minor problems, such as slightly crooked teeth. These braces should only be taken out for cleaning or as a precaution during certain activities.

Cleaning Your Removable Brace

Your orthodontist will be able to show you special techniques for cleaning your brace. It is best to clean it over a sink full of water so that it isn't damaged should you drop it. Keep a separate toothbrush just for cleaning your brace and use toothpaste to clean it. Gently brush the brace, and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water afterwards.

Your brace should be cleaned after all meals.

Retainers

Retainers are often used near the end of a course of orthodontic treatment. They hold newly fixed teeth in place while the surrounding gum and bone adjusts to the new position of the teeth. Retainers can be removable or fixed.
It is likely that if you stop wearing your retainers there will be some tooth movement. Changes in the position of your teeth can continue throughout life and are part of the normal ageing process. The only way to have permanently straight teeth is to wear a retainer on a part-time basis for life.