FIXED BRACES
POST TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
ORAL HYGIENE
Brush your teeth after every meal using a suitable toothbrush, preferably an electric or sonic toothbrush.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to permanent white spot lesions (decalcification) around the brackets. These areas may later develop into cavities and can also cause gum overgrowth, making orthodontic treatment more difficult.
We also recommend using:
- interdental brushes to clean around the brackets and under the orthodontic wire,
- special orthodontic floss (e.g. Oral-B Super Floss),
- or an oral irrigator (water flosser) (e.g. Panasonic, Philips or Waterpik).
DIET
During orthodontic treatment you should:
- limit sugary foods and drinks,
- avoid sticky foods completely (such as chewing gum, chewy candies, caramel or toffee),
- avoid hard foods (such as nuts, raw carrots and hard apples), as they may damage the brackets or loosen the orthodontic bands.
COOPERATION
Please bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and elastic bands (if prescribed) to every orthodontic appointment.
- It is very important to wear your elastic bands exactly as instructed by your orthodontist. Failure to do so may significantly prolong your treatment.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
- In addition to your orthodontic check-ups, which are usually scheduled every 5 weeks, you should also have a routine dental examination with your general dentist every 6 months.
- Please attend all appointments as scheduled. Missing appointments may prolong your treatment. Fixed braces do not adjust automatically, and without regular monitoring they may move your teeth in an undesirable way.
- If a bracket comes loose, an orthodontic band becomes detached, or any part of the appliance irritates your gums or cheeks, please contact ODONTO as soon as possible to arrange an additional appointment.
Successful orthodontic treatment requires patience, commitment and good cooperation from the patient. For younger patients, parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that the dentist’s instructions are followed.
