Teeth can be straightened by using gentle forces to move the teeth into the desired position. This treatment is not only meant to improve the appearance of your smile but also to help to maintain better oral health as straighter teeth can be cleaned easier. Orthodontics may also be used very effectively by up-righting teeth or opening uneven spaces between your teeth to make room for the placing of implants.
Aylesbury Dental Care uses both the conventional treatment ("train tracks") as well as the invisible type of braces for suitable patients.
We treat adults and children.
Q What is my brace made up of?
A Your brace is made up of small brackets glued to your teeth.
The brackets are handles used to hold your teeth and straighten them; the archwire, which runs through the brackets
moves the teeth. We start with the most gentle archwire and gradually move up through five sizes. The archwire is
held in place by tiny elastic bands, which come in different colours.
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Q Will it hurt?
A It is usual for the teeth to be uncomfortable for the first few days after the brace is first
fitted - stay with a soft diet and if necessary take one or two tablets of paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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Q What if bits break off?
A If one bracket comes off then leave it until your next scheduled visit. If several break off
then phone for an appointment to have the brace repaired.
Often as the teeth move the archwire sticks out at the back. If this scratches your cheek come in to have the end
cut off (ask reception for a packet of wax in case this happens).
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Q How do I clean my teeth?
A Since the brace is fixed you cannot remove it for brushing. It is extremely important to spend
extra time brushing all around the brace and especially the gums. If the dirt builds up then your gums will bleed
a lot (gingivitis) and your teeth will decay. Special brushes and fluoride mouthwashes for daily use can usually
be obtained from the receptionist of your dental surgery.
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Q Will there be marks on my teeth when the brace comes off?
A Poor cleaning and too many fizzy drinks can cause permanent decay marks. The importance of
thorough brushing and the use of a fluoride mouthwash cannot be emphasised enough.
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Q What about sports?
A Contact sports such as rugby present a problem since it is difficult to make a gum shield that
will fit over the brace. A reasonable solution is to buy a cheap gumshield from a sports shop which can be softened
in hot water and moulded over the brace.
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Q How long before the brace is removed?
A It usually takes about 18 months, occasionally longer, to straighten your teeth. "Traintrack" braces
are very good at straightening teeth so that they look better in months. It is important to remember, however, that
if the brace is removed too quickly before the teeth have settled into their new positions, then the teeth tend to
go crooked again.
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Q So how are the teeth kept straight after the fixed brace is removed?
A Usually we make a removable brace called a retainer to wear at nights for at least 12 months.
Sometimes a wire is fixed to the insides of the teeth to hold them straight.
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