Braces FAQs

Getting braces involves making several lifestyle changes to ensure the treatment is effective and to maintain oral hygiene. Dietary adjustments are crucial, such as avoiding hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice, which can damage or dislodge braces. Sticky foods, including gum and caramel, should be avoided as they can get stuck in braces and are difficult to clean off. Reducing sugary foods is important to prevent plaque buildup, which is harder to clean around braces. Instead, opt for soft foods such as soft fruits, vegetables, and cooked grains to minimise the risk of damaging your braces. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits may need to change. Avoid nail biting and chewing on objects, as these can damage your braces. If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard is essential to protect your braces and teeth. Quitting smoking is highly recommended, as it can exacerbate oral health problems and complicate orthodontic treatment.

What effect will braces have on my Daily Routines?

Be Patient with Speech Changes: Braces can affect your speech initially, but this usually improves as you get used to them.

Plan for Extra Cleaning Time: Brushing and flossing will take more time and effort with braces, so plan your daily routine accordingly.

Why are braces painful?

When braces are first fitted and after treatment adjustments you may experience discomfort or pain, this is in the most part due to the braces doing their job in terms of making the tooth and root of the tooth re-align, whether this be a rotation or a pull/push to allow the spacing between the teeth to be more regular. Essentially, you will start to feel your teeth move with braces into the correct position.

Do braces hurt once fitted?

As described above, you will likely experience some mild pain upon fitting and adjustments, however, this should generally calm down quite quickly, some patients experience a ‘tingling sensation’ or describe an itchy feeling in the gumbs, but generally once fitted these symptoms should be mild and any problems should be discussed with us during the treatment. If you are worried about fixed braces hurting or have any other concerns it would be best for you to arrange a consultation with our clinic team.

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage initial discomfort after getting braces or adjustments.

Orthodontic Wax: Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that may be irritating the inside of your mouth.

Do braces require special Oral Hygiene?

Brushing: Brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing: Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to clean between your teeth and under the wires daily.

Mouthwash: Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Regular Dental Visits: Continue regular check-ups with your dentist and orthodontist to monitor progress and address any issues.

What is a teeth braces system?

Braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the front of each tooth. These brackets can be in the form of metal braces, ceramic braces, or teeth aligners such as Invisalign. An archwire runs through the brackets and is secured with elastic bands or metal ties. This setup applies continuous pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. To find out more about How braces are glued to teeth or for specific teeth alignment problems you will find many resources available to browse within these pages.

Can braces fix an overbite?

The primary function of braces is to exert steady pressure on the teeth. This pressure, applied by the archwire, encourages the teeth to shift over time. The orthodontist periodically adjusts the archwire to ensure the correct amount of force is applied. As the teeth move, the bone around them remodels, allowing for this movement.

Can braces fix an underbite?

Yes! Our orthodontist will explain more during the initial assessments and consultations, imaging and advice. They will strategically position the brackets and adjust the archwire to facilitate the movement of teeth. For an underbite, this typically involves moving the lower front teeth backward and the upper front teeth forward.

Learn more about teeth alignment problems and solutions.

Which braces colour should I get?

In terms of choosing your braces there are many options, from metal and tooth coloured braces, clear aligners or for more custom designs, consider personalising your braces. During your consultation, our London Orthodontist will help you and or your child choose the best option for your specific needs.

Who does braces dentist or orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Their primary role is to manage the alignment of teeth and jaws, ensuring proper function and improving the appearance of a patient’s smile.

Diagnosis: Orthodontists assess the position of teeth and jaws using clinical examinations, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools.
Treatment Planning: Based on their diagnosis, they create individualised treatment plans to correct dental irregularities. Treatment: They will utilise a type of braces system to achieve the desired effect, monitor and administer adjustments during the treatment, they will also conduct post treatment checks advice and generally monitor progress.

When were braces invented?

Early metal braces can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times, where mummies have been found wearing a braces system on their teeth, however, it was a French dentist in the 18th Century that can be credited with creating a device to influence tooth position. For more braces facts please browse our pages or visit our braces information pages. Alternatively, call or chat to our clinics