Orthodontics

Keeping your mouth clean is important for everyone, but if you’re wearing braces, it’s essential. Braces can trap food and cause more plaque to build up than usual since they make it harder for your toothbrush to access the teeth. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment is vital to avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s how to do it properly.

Remember those scary-looking ‘train track’ fixed braces that children used to wear? Who can forget those poor souls who were nicknamed 'Metal Mickey' (ask your Mum) and ‘Metal Mouth’ at school? Or those annoying bits of food that used to collect between the wires? They weren’t much fun, the braces of yesteryear.

Dr. Hemant Patel, Principal Orthodontist at Liverpool Brace Place, BDS, Mo. Orth, RCS (ed), M Orth RCS (Eng), MRCPS (Glas).

Maintaining good oral hygiene is a particular challenge for patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. The presence of brackets, wires and bands make it particularly difficult to clean thoroughly and as a result it is common for plaque to accumulate on the buccal surface around the base of the bracket. Retained plaque represents a considerable clinical risk that demineralisation of the enamel will occur, resulting in white spot lesions. The development of gingivitis and hyperplastic gingival is also a well recognised problem during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. As an orthodontist who sees his patients once every 4-6 weeks I am unable to fully monitor patient’s oral hygiene on a daily basis, as such we go to great lengths to stress to all our patients the importance of maintaining a comprehensive daily oral care regime. This is a particular

Some people would say vanity is a sin, and sins don't come without something to make you wish you hadn't veered from the path of righteousness. Whether you're having braces fitted for cosmetic reasons or because your bite's awkward, you're likely to experience some issues. Everyone experiences orthodontic treatment differently. Some people have naturally mobile teeth, or a higher pain threshold, but let's highlight the main things you can expect from your fixed braces.

1. Discomfort
Yes, I'm afraid so! Most people will experience some discomfort in the first week or two. Like those awful dreams in which you take a wrong footing and your teeth fall out into the palm of your hand, your teeth may feel like they're being forced out of place – which, of course, they are! Try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help dull the sensation.

2. Sores and ulcers
Some people are more prone to mouth ulcers than others. You'll find that parts

If you're undergoing teeth straightening treatment with fixed braces, you'll probably be paying closer attention to your teeth than you normally would. And while you might be pleased that your teeth are gradually getting straighter, you might also notice that they are also becoming less white and visibly dirtier. It's not your imagination, but it's not entirely your fault – cleaning your teeth does become much harder when you have a brace getting in the way.

Here are our tips for preventing bacterial biofilm and plaque – the accumulation of which will not only make your teeth look dirty but can lead to gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums), decalcification and other forms of periodontal disease.

1. Brush after every meal
The network of wires and plastic in your braces will trap any small pieces of food and associated bacteria next to your teeth, so it's essential that you brush every time you've eaten, even if it's just a snack. Ideally, you'll