Smile! You’re now part of the Croydon Orthodontics family!
Welcome aboard
What will I feel with new braces?
When you first start any orthodontic treatment, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender. This feeling is completely normal and does not last more than a few days. To relieve any discomfort you may wish to take pain relief medication, such as Panadol or Nurofen if required.
It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks or even tongue to become irritated in your first week in treatment, this will lessen over time as you get used to your new braces. At your first appointment we will provide you with orthodontic wax that can be placed over your braces to alleviate any irritation or tenderness.
Cleaning and preventing tooth decay
Brushing and flossing can be a little tricker with braces on! More time is needed to stop bacteria and germs in dental plaque making your teeth and gums unhealthy.
Maintaining clean, healthy teeth and gums will prevent you from developing white spots (or early signs of tooth decay), bleeding gums and just as importantly, make your treatment go as efficiently and quickly as possible. Unhealthy teeth and gums will only delay your treatment so be sure to take good care of them!
The most common consequence of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) sitting on your gums and braces is the presence of inflammation and bleeding, also known as gingivitis. Bleeding from your gums is a sign that they are unhealthy and need more through (but still gentle) brushing.
That’s right – you should brush your gums too! Regular flossing in between your teeth and under your gums is very important to reach the germs which your toothbrush can’t quite get to.
Tooth decay can leave unpleasant marks on your teeth which are quite visible when braces are removed, but this only happens when plaque is being left behind!
Your orthodontic team will check for germs and your home care at every appointment. You can always ask if you’re having trouble and we can give you advice and support. It’s vital to remember that tooth decay is totally preventable.
Keep away from hard and sticky foods!
Braces and appliances can be damaged by anything that pushes a lot of force against them. This can include: eating hard, sticky or crunchy foods, brushing with heavy pressure, a knock to the mouth or severe tooth grinding. Try cutting up food into small pieces rather than biting right in, avoid chewing fingernails and pen lids and wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sport.
Lollies like Minties, Fantales, Redskins, Skittles and hard crunchy muesli bars should be avoided entirely and be careful with crusty breads and pizza crusts!
Expander and appliance care
Wear your appliances well and follow the directions prescribed by your Orthodontist for elastic wear, turning, headgear and plate wear.
Your teeth and jaw may not move into the correct plane and you may be more sore if you wear them irregularly. Please contact us if you are unsure of how or when you should be wearing your appliance.
Playing sport
It is especially important to protect your teeth while you play sport. Injuries to the teeth are most common. While you are in treatment, our orthodontic team can help you mould a mouthguard around your teeth and braces to prevent any harm.
If you do have a sport related accident, make sure you check your mouth and appliances for any changes or damage. Please contact us if you notice anything broken or damaged and we can advise you about your next steps.
And don’t forget to see your dentist!Your final smile results will look their best when your teeth and gums are healthy. Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you must continue to visit your general dentist for regular check ups and cleans.
Emergency Care
There are very few orthodontic problems that require immediate attention, but should you experience any pain or discomfort, we are just a phone call away! Upon receiving your call, we can assist you in resolving your problem or help relieve discomfort from home until a suitable appointment can be made with our orthodontic team.
Should you be unable to reach one of our friendly reception team via phone, please get in touch with us via our practice email reception@croydonorthodontics.com.au. We regularly check this daily, also on weekends and also public holidays.
A major contributor to broken brackets and bands is hard and sticky foods. It is very important to look after your braces and appliances like delicate jewellery. Leaving damaged appliances unresolved can disrupt and sometimes lengthen treatment time. Common orthodontic problems and possible solutions how to troubleshoot them are described below. After alleviating any discomfort, please call our practice to schedule a time for any required repairs that may be needed.
Loose brackets
Brackets can sometime become loose or fall off. In the early stages of your treatment, it is perfectly fine to leave them loose until your next appointment where they can be managed. If your bracket or band is loose and still attached to the wire, leave it in place and apply wax to the area if irritation occurs.
If they are causing discomfort, please call the practice to arrange an appointment time. As you get into the later stages of treatment, it is best to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid any delays in treatment.
Loose bands and appliances
Bands around your teeth may start to wriggle as a result of pressure or if you eat hard or sticky foods. A loose band can allow food and germs to sneak in and cause harm to your teeth, as well as slow down your treatment. Unless your appointment is in the next few days, please call us to arrange a time to have your band or appliance reattached to your tooth. Place wax on the uncomfortable part of the band or appliance if discomfort occurs.
Loose or poking wires
Occasionally you may feel a wire snap or stick our at the Occasionally you may feel a wire snap or stick our at the back of your braces. Wax can be used to attach to the end provide temporary relief. In your first few orthodontic wires, using tweezers, try and put the wire back into place or alternatively you may be able to trim the ends yourself , very carefully, using small fingernail clippers at home. Later on in treatment, we can arrange a quick and easy appointment for you to have it trimmed at the practice. We can always be contacted should you need any support.
Lost or broken retainers and plates
Please call us as soon as possible! An appointment to have a new 3D scan taken will be made to arrange a repair or replacement plate or retainer.
