FAQs
We at Denton Orthodontic Centre want you to have the best dental care experience possible. We understand that you may have questions or concerns about your oral health, which is why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of dental FAQs with helpful answers. We hope this guide will make your next visit to the dentist more comfortable and informative.
Check out the details below and feel free to reach out to us with any further questions or concerns. We’re always here to help!
Before Treatment
Every case is different , since every person is unique and treatment is tailored to the individual. Treatment can take from 3mths – 2yrs depending on the complexity of treatment. The average treatment is between 12- 18mths
Approximately every 8/10 weeks. In some cases we can provide remote monitoring which reduces the number of face:face visits needed. This process uses a scan box which is linked with your smart phone allowing you to send scans to the practice for us to monitor progress and advise when a visit is required.
No but there may be some discomfort and sensitivity during the first few days after fitting and adjustment
No braces themselves do not mark the teeth however if the braces are not cared for properly during treatment when the brace is removed there can be permanent marks left behind.
To prevent any damage or marks on the teeth it is very important as well as regular cleaning, with a fluoride toothpaste, and sticking to a soft diet, to prevent damaging the brace, that the patient avoids fizzy or sugary drinks and sugary snacks between meals.
Yes, definitely this is a very important phase of your Orthodontic treatment. Once teeth have been moved they need to be held in place while the bone and teeth settle into their new position. If you do not wear the retainers as instructed teeth will relapse.
Contact the surgery and speak to a member of staff who will listen to your concern and will be happy to help. Alternatively, you can email the practice for help and advice. If for whatever reason you are still not happy follow our complaints policy
After Treatment
Brackets can irritate the lips for a few days after the brace has been placed. In some cases, patients may get ulcers. We provide each patient with orthodontic wax which can be placed over the area causing irritation to cushion the area until the lips and cheeks become used to the brace. In the case of ulcers, hot salt mouthwashes help to ease the discomfort. Should the irritation last longer than a few days, or the wax doesn’t help, call the surgery to see if an appointment needs to be scheduled.
Diet needs to be adapted when fitted with a fixed or removable brace. Food should be soft so nothing hard, sticky or chewy.
This is common when a removable brace is first fitted and there is also a lot of saliva present. This will return to normal within the first 48hrs if the brace is worn all the time as instructed. If the brace is constantly removed for eating or social events the tongue and brain cannot get used to it so these problems will continue and treatment will not progress.
When the brace is fitted, the pressure is applied to the teeth to gently move them into a new position. This can cause some aching or tenderness for a few days but the amount and duration of the tenderness are different for everyone. Painkillers you normally take for a headache should help. If your discomfort lasts more than a week, please contact the surgery.
Braces do not cause your gums to bleed. Bleeding occurs when teeth and gums have not been brushed efficiently. Wearing braces means it is a lot harder keeping your teeth and gums clean. It is very important that more time is spent cleaning the brace, teeth and gums. Cleaning should take at least 4mins.A double-ended Orthodontic toothbrush is recommended with a fluoride toothpaste. Disclosing tablets are also used to help identify areas that are being missed.
Sometimes the wire can poke out the back of the brace. This may be because a bracket has come off or the teeth have moved. If this happens don’t worry. Try to bend the wire in towards the tooth so it doesn’t irritate your gums or use the wax provided to cover the end of the wire Make an appointment for us to trim the wire.
If you have lost or broken your appliance you must contact us as soon as possible.
If your appliance is broken DON’T throw it away. Keep it safe and bring it with you.
A charge may be applicable for a replacement appliance this will be explained when you phone.
Teeth begin to move when the appliance is not in place so telephone as soon as possible.
Did we miss anything
If you still have orthodontic questions contact us and we will be happy to help
Braces Home Video Repair Guide
Published by the British Orthodontic Society, here are ‘how-to’ videos to temporary repair any issues you may have with your braces, during lock-down.
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