Recommendations after fitting fixed braces
- Due to toothache when biting for approximately 7 days after braces are fitted, a soft diet is recommended (yogurts, mousses, purees, soups, ground meatballs, dumplings, etc.). Additionally, if necessary, take a painkiller (e.g., APAP, Panadol) half an hour before meals.
- Abrasions on the mucous membrane where braces come into contact should be protected by covering the brackets and wire ends with protective wax. Soften the wax by pressing it between your fingers in warm water.
- Hard and sticky foods (lollipops, hard candies, Tic-Tacs, drops, chewy treats, fudge, nuts, crispy bread, etc.) should be avoided throughout the treatment period. However, large and hard fruits and vegetables should be chopped or grated, and possibly baked or boiled (e.g., apples, peaches, pears, carrots, kohlrabi).
- Oral hygiene should be maintained very carefully, as uncleaned plaque deposits around the brackets increase the risk of tooth decay. Only proper oral hygiene, regular checkups, and personal discipline will help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Use specialized toothbrushes. A basic toothbrush should be used after each meal and two additional toothbrushes (a single-tufted toothbrush – angled and an interdental toothbrush) should be used at least three times a day, i.e., in the morning, after lunch, and in the evening. These facilitate cleaning of the hard-to-reach tooth surfaces around the orthodontic brackets. We also recommend specialized toothpastes that primarily target caries and contain agents that facilitate plaque removal. Furthermore, they protect the mucous membrane from mechanical damage and protect the gums from inflammation. Mouthwashes and special dental floss are also available. A water flosser is recommended, as it facilitates both cleaning the teeth and periodontal pockets. Manual, electric, and sonic toothbrushes are available.
- You should undergo hygiene checks at every orthodontic visit and at home, at least once a week, using plaque indicators (e.g., erythrosine tablets).
- You should see your dentist for caries checkups every 3 to 6 months.
Different recommendations after removing fixed braces
- It is essential to strictly adhere to the retention phase rules and use the selected retainer as recommended by your orthodontist.
- For two weeks after the removal of your fixed braces, you must undergo anti-inflammatory gum therapy and home fluoride treatment as recommended by your orthodontist. During this period, it is generally recommended to brush your teeth with Elmex gel or Duraphat 5000 toothpaste daily before bed. Furthermore, you should rinse your mouth 4-5 times a day, alternating between Eludril, Tantum Verde, and hydrogen peroxide solutions.
- You should wear your retainer for 12 hours a day or more for the first three months after the removal of your fixed braces. It should be removed for eating and for oral hygiene.
- Retainers should be cleaned with warm soapy water (never use toothpaste that contains abrasive agents, which cause fine scratches on the retainer surface. Such scratches easily accumulate plaque and dyes, making the retainer dull and unsightly). Antibacterial cleaning tablets, such as Corega tabs, can be used to care for retainers (they provide safe and effective care for orthodontic appliances. An ingredient that reduces surface tension and active oxygen allows cleaning agents and plaque-degrading enzymes to reach the most inaccessible areas of the retainer).
- When brushing your teeth, brush the surfaces of the teeth to which the fixed retainer is attached especially thoroughly. These are areas where food debris is more likely to accumulate. Moreover, due to their proximity to the salivary glands, tartar builds up most frequently. Effective cleaning of even the most inaccessible areas protects the gums from infection. Furthermore, it prevents bad breath and provides a fresh, clean feeling.
- Boiling water should not be used to clean retainers made of thermoplastic material (so-called dental retainer splints).
- Always use a special protective case to store your retainer. Never leave your retainer unprotected, as it can be easily lost or damaged. After removing and cleaning, the retainer should be stored dry, not in a moist environment.
- In the event of a malfunction, contact your orthodontist immediately.
- Regular checkups should be scheduled every three months for the first year. Then every 6 months, always taking your removable retainer with you.
Dental appliance failures
- In the event of any appliance malfunction, contact your orthodontist immediately.
- In the event of fixed appliance malfunction, the most common problems include bracket detachment, wire tip irritation of soft tissue, and wire slippage from the tube or band on the molar. Bracket detachment generally does not require an immediate visit to the office. However, to determine this, it is always best to contact your dentist or assistant by phone. During your scheduled appointment, the problem will be corrected by reattaching the bracket to a properly cleaned tooth. Wire tip irritation of soft tissue or wire slippage from the band tube are problems that cause patients more pain, so it is recommended to visit the office to have the irritant removed.
Retention device failures
- In the event of any appliance malfunction, contact your orthodontist immediately.
- If a removable retainer malfunctions, see an orthodontist for repair. Never attempt to reattach retainers yourself, as commonly available adhesives are toxic when in contact with the oral mucosa.
- If a fixed retainer detaches, see an orthodontist as soon as possible for reattachment. If teeth shift, often the only way to correct the problem is to reattach the fixed appliance.
