Living with Braces

While modern braces can be comfortable and inconspicuous, there are some extra steps you can take in your central hygiene to look after them better.

Firstly, you need to continue brushing your teeth regularly – your dentist will show you the best approach.

You should also continue flossing daily and making regular visits to the dentist.

When you wear braces, it’s especially useful to limit any snacks between meals.

There are also some foods that your dentist may advise you to avoid such as nuts, popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum or caramel.

Some of these may interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires.

When you wear braces, you can still enjoy sports and other leisure activities.

Your dentist may recommend a protective mouth guard to cut any risk of injury to the mouth or jaw.

When you follow good oral hygiene practices, you can continue to wear braces comfortably while making a big difference to your smile and your dental health.

Myths about orthodontists

Here is the truth on some common myths about orthodontists

Myth - Any dentist can straighten my teeth.
Truth - An orthodontist is a specialist at straightening teeth with two or three years of additional training after dental school.
They usually see hundreds of orthodontic patients a year where some family dentists may see only a handful.

Myth - Only children wear braces
Truth - Around 20% of orthodontic patients are adults

Myth - You only need to see an orthodontist for very complex cases.
Truth - Orthodontists have wide experience and deal with all types of orthodontic issue. However, their wide experience means they know exactly what to do in the most complex cases.

Myth - Seeing an orthodontist is more expensive than going to a general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
Truth - They are usually doing different work. An orthodontist offers value as  an expert, highly experienced professional with specific training in this field.

Myth - Braces are painful and take years to work
Fact - Like a new pair of shoes, braces are perfectly comfortable after an initial 'breaking in' or adjustment period. Braces can get results after just a few months.

Myth - Braces are ugly and embarrassing in business settings.
Truth - Today braces can be made from clear plastic and can be nearly invisible. They can also be mounted on the back side of the teeth so that they are not visible.