FAQ's

Why do I need retainers?
Retainers are used to maintain the corrected position of teeth and are an ESSENTIAL part of the treatment program. They are usually bonded to the back of teeth, but may also be removable (plates) and should be worn as directed to maintain the result.

Treated and untreated teeth will move naturally over a lifetime, but orthodontically treated teeth, particularly in their first few years after treatment, willhave a higher tendency to move, hence the importance of retainers immediately after braces are removed.

Our practice will monitor all patients for a minimum of two years following active orthodontic treatment as part of our service (the retention phase of treatment) and during this time a decision may be made with regard to the future of wisdom teeth.

Fixed wire retainers: these should be cleaned each time you brush your teeth (atleast twice daily) and are able to be flossed around.  Particluar attention should be paid the the gum margin where the retainer sits close to.

Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Contrary to popular belief, wisdom teeth are not the sole cause of crowding throughout life and indeed many patients develop crowding without having third molars present.

Third molar teeth may erupt into normal function, however, in some patients these teeth become impacted. Your orthodontist will advise you with regard to the management of these teeth during the post-orthodontic retention period which may include referral to an oral surgeon for their removal.

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PROBLEMS DURING TREATMENT

I’ve run out of rubber bands
Please contact us and we can send you more supplies. If you don’t know which type you use, we can check your file.

When do I wear my Retainer?
Day and night unless otherwise instructed by your orthodontist or dentist.

When do I remove my Retainer?
When cleaning your teeth, when playing sport that require a mouthguard to be worn. (e.g. football, hockey etc.), or when swimming or surfing.

How do I clean my Retainer
Every time you brush your teeth, remove your plate and brush it thoroughly with toothbrush and toothpaste. To keep your plate fresh, cleaning tablets can be used every 6-8 weeks or as required.

I’ve lost or broken my Retainer
If you lose your plate, CALL US immediately to make an appointment, as we will need to take another impression so we can make a new plate.

If you break your plate, KEEP the pieces and CALL US immediately to make an appointment. We may be able to repair the plate, but if it is beyond repair we will have to take another impression to make a new appliance.    It must be remembered that the cost of replacing a lost or broken plate is not covered in the original fee quoted and a separate fee may be charged.

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Brushing and flossing during treatment
Hold your brush at an angle, brush in small circles, concentrate on the gum margin, and brush above and below the braces and wire. Brush the back of teeth and the chewing surfaces using the same circular motion.

Slide floss under the wire, then hold each end while you GENTLY rub the sides of the teeth in an up and down motion.

Loose bracket
Brackets are the parts of braces that are attached to teeth. They are generally positioned in the centre of each tooth. If it feels loose or seems has moved along the wire, please contact us to have it reattached

You may wish to use some orthodontic wax to minimise the irritation.

Irritating archwire end
If an archwire moves, it can sometimes poke the mouth or cheek and cause irritation. Please use orthodontic wax in the area or contact us to schedule a time to have it remedied. (see diagram)

Loose bands/wires/springs
If the braces have come loose in any way, call the orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps. Save any pieces of your braces that break off and bring them with you to your repair appointment.

Discomfort
It’s normal to have discomfort for three to five days after braces or retainers are adjusted, or for up to a week when braces are first placed. The teeth will initially become sensitive to pressure but quickly accommodate and the pressure soon disappears.
Paracetamol (Panadol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen) are very effective in minimising this discomfort, as are warm salt-water rinses.

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Rubbing of the braces on lips or cheeks
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth. A small amount of orthodontic wax makes an excellent buffer between the braces and lips, cheek or tongue. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. If possible, dry the area first as the wax will stick better. The patient may then eat more comfortably. If the wax is accidentally swallowed it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Ulcers
People who have mouth ulcers during orthodontic treatment may gain relief by applying a small amount of the topical anesthetic/antiseptic gel which is supplied at the same time as the fitting of the braces.

Lost Ligature (Rubber or Wire)
Tiny rubber bands known as modules (see diagram) are often used to hold the archwire into the bracket or brace. Ligatures (wire) perform the same function as modules. If a module is lost, contact the orthodontist, who can advise you whether the patient should be seen.

Diagram of Braces (use a picture)
To help you accurately describe an emergency situation to the orthodontist, use the diagram below, which illustrates and names each part of a typical set of braces.

A. Ligature
The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire.

B. Archwire
The archwire is tied to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.

C. Brackets
Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.

D. Metal Band
The band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.

E. Elastic Hooks & Rubber Bands
Elastic hooks are used for the attachment of rubber bands, which help move teeth toward their final position.

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