YOUR FIRST VISIT
Your dentist would like specialist advice about the position of your teeth. The orthodontist will advise whether you would benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics can be considered to be the creation of a beautiful smile and a harmonious bite for people, from ages eight to eighty eight.
Orthodontics involves the use of fixed and removable braces to achieve peoples’ goals and happiness.
There are 3 main reasons for having orthodontic treatment:
- To improve the appearance of the teeth.
- To improve function i.e. to make it easier to eat.
- To improve the health of the teeth and gums.
It is likely the orthodontist will have a look at your mouth and teeth using a small mouth mirror and a ruler. X-rays, photographs and a digital scan may also be taken. All of these measurements and records will help the orthodontist decide which is the best treatment for you.
There are likely to be four possible outcomes, each of which will be explained to you in plain and simple language by the orthodontist. These include:
You are not yet ready for treatment, in which case you may need to see the orthodontist again when you are older.
Your dental health is not good enough.
This may be due to poor toothbrushing or decayed teeth. Your dentist may send you to the orthodontist again when things have improved.
You do not need treatment because the position of your teeth is perfectly acceptable, or expected to be.
You are ready for treatment and need to decide whether to go ahead.
The orthodontist will explain:
- The options for treatment and which is the best for you.
- The pros and cons of treatment.
- The length of time the treatment will take.
- The commitment needed on your part if treatment is to be successful.
- When you can expect the treatment to begin.
At this point you will be given the chance to ask any questions. If you would like to go ahead with the treatment, the orthodontist will ask for written consent.
This will depend on:
- How many of your adult teeth have come through.
- Many treatments are best left until the adult teeth have replaced the first teeth.
- Problems with toothbrushing or tooth decay which may have to be dealt with.
- The length of any waiting list for the particular orthodontic treatment you need.
- The degree of urgency for your particular case.
For example, certain types of bite are best treated while you are growing fast and would be given priority.
Other types of treatment may need to be delayed until growth of the face has almost stopped.
Your orthodontist will explain the exact timing of the treatment for you.
The orthodontist and another members of staff will work with you.
Your dentist will usually carry out any extractions that are necessary as part of the treatment.
If you have any further questions that you feel you would like to ask, then please email [email protected]
It is vital that you understand what is involved in having orthodontic treatment before you decide to go ahead.
FIXED BRACE FAQ’S
Now that you have a fixed brace, you may have some questions you would like answered.
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the brace is adjusted.
If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache may help (please read the instructions on the packet).
If the brace rubs your lips or cheeks, you will be given some wax to help with this.
The brace you are now wearing is fixed to the teeth for the whole of your treatment. You should not try to remove it, as you may damage your teeth and the treatment will not work.
Yes you should be able to eat normally.
For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth and brace.
In order to prevent damage to both, you should avoid the following:
- Toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.
- Fizzy drinks including diet drinks, excessive amounts of fruit juice.
- Hard foods, which might damage the brace such as: crunchy apples, crusty, bread rolls, etc.
Hard foods can be eaten with care if you cut them up first.
It is important you brush your teeth well, three times per day and use fluoride toothpaste.
If possible carry a brush with you for use after lunch.
Pay particular attention to brush where the gums meet the teeth.
Brushing may take a little longer when you have a fixed brace.
A daily fluoride mouth rinse should also be used last thing at night, after tooth brushing, to further protect the teeth.
Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth as shown in the picture above.
How long will treatment take? It usually takes 12 – 24 months but will vary according to how severe your case is.
Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time.
It may be necessary for you at some stage during the treatment, to wear headgear and/or elastics.
Headgear is usually worn in the evenings and at night. Elastics are worn inside the mouth all the time, including mealtimes.
Once the active phase of your treatment has been finished, it will be necessary to wear a retaining brace.
This may be removable or it may be fixed behind your front teeth.
The length of time this has to be worn can vary.
You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted.
Yes. It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.
Yes, but it is recommended you wear a gumshield when doing so. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller-skating, or skateboarding.
You will be advised about this.
If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument, then a fixed brace may make it more difficult.
You will need to discuss this with your music teacher.
Email up for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible.
Do not wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth.
If you repeatedly break your brace treatment may be stopped.
TWIN BLOCK BRACE
Now that you have a Twin Block Brace may have some questions you would like answered.
A Twin Block Brace a functional brace that is a removable brace.
A Twin Block Brace works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time using the muscles of your face head and neck
For a A Twin Block Brace to work well and quickly it must be worn 23hrs per day.
For the treatment to work it is important you follow these instructions.
23 hrs a day of wear you will see improvement in the position of your teeth very quickly
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the Twin Block Brace is adjusted.
If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache may help (please read the instructions on the packet).
If there is an obvious area of soreness as a result of the Twin Block Brace, email for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible [email protected]
If possible, do not stop wearing the Twin Block Brace or else you will have to go through the 3-5 days of discomfort all over again when you start wearing it once more.
Your speech will be different.
Practice speaking with the brace in place e.g. read out aloud at home on your own, and in this way your speech will return to normal within a couple of days.
You will also find yourself with more saliva
You will be swallowing a lot to begin with.
Your brain doesn’t know the brace isn’t food and thus more saliva!!!
This is quite normal and will quickly pass.
You will be able to eat with your Twin Block Brace in place.
For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth and Twin Block Brace.
In order to prevent damage to both, you should avoid the following:
- Toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.
- Fizzy drinks including diet drinks, excessive amounts of fruit juice.
It is important you brush well three times per day and use a fluoride toothpaste.
Carry a brush with you for use after lunch, dinner and anything you eat
Take the Twin Block Brace out to clean your teeth.
You should also gently brush the Twin Block Brace, taking care not to damage the wires.
A daily fluoride mouthrinse should be used last thing at night, after tooth brushing.
Failure to keep your teeth and brace clean will lead to permanent scarring of your teeth.
The Twin Block Brace you are now wearing is removable but should only be removed for cleaning, unless you are otherwise advised.
When it is not in your mouth it should be in its protective box.
Do not click the Twin Block Brace in and out with your tongue as this will break the wires and increase the length of time the treatment
This can vary according to how severe your case is.
Most of the work with the Twin Block Brace is usually completed in about 9 – 12 months.
You may then have to wear the Twin Block Brace at nights for a while or you may progress to a second phase of treatment with a different type of brace.
You will be advised about this.
Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the Twin Block Brace will add to this overall treatment time.
How often will I need an appointment?
You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted.
Yes.
It will be important you still have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.
You should wear a gumshield instead of your fTwin Block Bracewhen you play contact sports.
This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller- skating or skateboarding.
When not in your mouth the brace should be in a protective box.
Email for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible [email protected].
Do not wait for your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth. If you repeatedly break your brace treatment may be stopped.
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