General Instructions for fixed braces
- Your appliance is fixed to your teeth and cannot be removed until the end of treatment.
- Some discomfort may occur during the first few days.
- Special attention must be paid to oral hygiene as your fixed appliance will make it more difficult for you to keep your teeth and gums clean. If your appliance is causing persistent discomfort or becomes damaged or loose, book an appointment. If there is any sharp, projecting part of braces, cover it with orthodontic relief wax or wet cotton pellet. BRING ANY LOOSE BANDS AND ANY BROKEN PIECES.
- You must continue to have ROUTINE DENTAL INSPECTIONS throughout your orthodontic treatment. If it becomes essential to change your next appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. Frequent delays prolongs the total time of treatment.
Home care
- Brush your teeth and braces, at least three times a day using Orthodontic toothbrush (and always after eating).
- Clean between your teeth at least once daily (and always just before you go to bed).
- Use quality toothpaste toothpastes containing fluoride have been proven to help prevent cavities.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash to help reduce the risk of cavities.
- Floss regularly and thoroughly. Have your toothbrush and floss with you at all times so that you can clean your teeth even when you are not at home.
- Avoid sugary snacks (candy, ice cream, cookies, soda pop, etc.) that can damage your braces and increase your risk for cavities. Sticky foods should especially be avoided.
- Don’t chew gum, even sugarless gum.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
- In case of pain or ulceration, please consult your dentist immediately.
General Instructions for Aligners (Invisalign, Toothsi, Clearpath etc):
Do’s:
- When you wake up, thoroughly cleaning your aligners and your teeth.
- Rinse your aligners off every time you take them out. You have to remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything but plain water, as well as when you brush and floss.
- Don’t forget to brush your aligners. You can use clear, anti-bacterial soap to keep them clean. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away any build-up.
- Remember to soak your aligners. You can use special Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. Remember to rinse the aligners before putting them back in your mouth.
- Brush and floss regularly, especially after eating. If you place your aligners back in without brushing, you’ll be trapping these food particles between your teeth and the trays. Over time, this can lead to issues such as cavities.
- Protect your trays when they aren’t in your mouth. Always place your trays in their case when you remove them. This will make them less likely to get accidentally thrown away or misplaced.
Don’t:
- Don’t eat with your trays in. You can drink plain water while your trays are in place, but you cannot eat or drink with them. If you regularly eat while wearing your trays, you risk damaging them. This will make them less effective. Food and drink can also stain your aligners, which will make them much more noticeable.
- Do not use harsh cleaning agents on your aligners. This includes toothpaste and other abrasive cleaning agents that could damage the surface of your aligners. While toothpaste is ideal for your teeth, it will cause damage and discoloration to your aligners.
- Skip scented and colored soaps. Clear, non-scented anti-bacterial soap is the best option for regular cleaning of your Invisalign trays. Scented soaps can add an unpleasant taste, and colored soaps can stain your trays.
- Don’t forget regular visits to your dentist while in orthodontic treatment. Your smile must stay healthy to ensure your ideal outcome, so remember to visit your dentist every six months.
- If anything happens to your trays during treatment, contact the clinic immediately. If a tray gets damaged or lost during treatment, don’t skip to the next set before it’s time. The damaged/lost tray needs to be replaced immediately.