Caring For Your Braces
Below is information to help you keep your teeth healthy and happy during braces treatment.
How To Brush With Braces
- Ensure to brush above and below the braces angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees in a circular motion, make sure to brush the tooth and gums as well
- If using an electric toothbrush, you can follow the above steps and keep the toothbrush still on each surface rather than in a circular motion
- Brush for at least 3-4 minutes to clean properly
- If you notice bleeding when brushing, that is a sign of inflammation, this means you need to brush more frequently
How to Floss with Braces
- Use an interdental brush to clean under the wire in between each tooth – you can rinse and reuse the brush (typically lasts 2-3 weeks). You can purchase these from the chemist or super market – look for a size 5 / 6
- It is important to continue to floss with braces on, use super floss to thread under the wire and floss each individual tooth
- A water flosser is a great option for flossing with braces on! : )
Using Orthodontic Wax
- Used to relieve any discomfort from sharp wires or hooks
- Ensure to dry the area well with a tissue and take half a pea size amount and press it on the area
- Wax will only last a few hours, replace it as you need to
- Can be purchased at chemists or ask us for more when you are at your next appointment
Braces Treatment FAQ's
- Soft fruits
- Dairy products – cheese, yoghurts, milk
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft meats
- Soup, pasta and rice
- Soft bread
- Smoothies
- Treats: Ice cream, jelly, milkshakes
- Hard or Sticky/chewy candy (toffees)
- Nuts
- Crunchy vegetables and fruits (carrot and apples)
- Beef jerky, pork crackle
- Crunchy toast/cereal
- Cut apples, carrots, steak and crusty bread into small pieces to avoid breaking braces
At NK Orthodontist, appointments are held around eight weeks apart so that Dr Nick can adjust your braces and monitor your progress. Appointments can last between 10 – 30 minutes depending on the complexity of your treatment.
Some pain is normal when you first get your braces and may last a week or two. You will also likely experience some discomfort when your braces are adjusted. Take painkillers you would normally take when you have a headache.
Yes! Having braces increases your risk of cavities or gum disease as it traps a lot of food and bacteria. It is important to have a regular check-ups and cleans with your dentist every 6 months to ensure the health of your teeth are maintained and your braces treatment is not delayed.
Please call us so that we can let you know if you need to come in soon or if it can wait until your next scheduled appointment. If your scheduled appointment is coming up soon, please still call us to let us know of your broken bracket so we can ensure we have enough time to rebond it.
You can try trimming the wire with clean nail clippers or use the ortho wax to cover the sharp end. If it is still bothering you, call us to book a quick appointment to have it trimmed.
Stop wearing all elastics immediately and call us to have the bracket fixed as soon as possible.
While some discomfort with braces treatment is normal, if you have tried the above suggestions and nothing has helped, please contact us during business hours (Monday to Thursday 8.30am til 5pm) so we can book you in for an emergency appointment that day. If it is outside our hours please see your dentist or GP for further care.
You can pop into the practice during business hours to pick up another packet of elastics. Just give us a call so you know which practice we are at that week.
Need a braces appointment?
The quickest way to book either your regular braces check-up or an emergency appointment is to call us during business hours (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm) on 1300 746 465.
If you’d prefer to book via email please complete our form below with as much information as possible so that we can offer you the most suitable appointment spot.
