Address 13 South Street Ipswich QLD 4305 Ph:  3812 0865

Now you have your braces on you need to look after them. You probably have forgotten some of the instructions we have given you. So we have listed a few things below as a reminder on caring for your braces. TOOTHBRUSHING This is probably the most important part of your treatment. If you start off on a regular routine of brushing your teeth, your teeth and gums will stay in good health during your orthodontic treatment. Enclosed is a brochure explaining the correct toothbrushing technique. Brush after every meal, but especially before school/work, after school and before bed. Spend time to do a good job, and check in a mirror after your done. REMEMBER – we will keep a good check on your brushing and help with any advice we can, but it's all up to you. A good technique will eliminate any problems that could be caused – like swollen gums, and white spots (decalcification). DIET Wearing braces calls for plain old COMMON SENSE, most of us have plenty of this. AVOID – anything that is sticky or hard. Like – minties, toffies, bubble gum, …When biting, for example, into an apple – cut it up into small pieces and use your back teeth for the biting. Don't bite hard things like – ice cubes – or hard lollies, - keep pens and pencils etc…. out of your mouth as well. BREAKAGES Whilst breakages are not much of a problem to fix – it could mean that your treatmet may take a little longer. Following is a diagram of the different parts of your braces. This will help you in telling us exactly what has come off. IF SOMETHING DOES BREAK: Remove anything loose from your mouth if you can. Use your wax to stop anything digging in – If the wax does not stay on – put it under warm water to help soften the wax. Use salt water rinses for any ulcers (1tsp. Salt in ½ cup water) CONTACT THE OFFICE AND WE WILL ARRANGE TO SEE YOU TO FIX THE PROBLEM. APPOINTMENTS  Whilst we will try to make most appointments for after school – if we need to see you for a longer visit, this will be during school time, or a lunch break. We will try not to have too much school time missed, but sometimes this is unavoidable. Have a chat at home and work out the best time for you to come to each appointment and discuss this with us , we will try and do our best. Remember to keep up your regular six monthly check-ups with your dentist – they are still in charge of looking after the health of your teeth. IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS – CALL US AT THE OFFICE There is someone here 5 days a week to help when it is needed. Or call Kerryn after hours. Bonded Brackets Brackets are “bonded” or “glued” directly to your tooth and cover less area of the teeth, instead of putting bands on the teeth to hold brackets in place. We use bonded brackets generally on all teeth, except the back molars. Bands These are thin bands of metal, carefully fitted to the tooth and then cemented in place. They give us a way to grasp and control each individula tooth. Bands are generally used on the molars. Archwire This is the main wire that fits into the brackets or other attachments, on the outside of your teeth. This is fastened to your brackets by tiewires, or modules. The archwire acts as a guide or track along which the teeth are to me moved Rubber Bands These provide a force that helps teeth move, usually employing one arch or group of teeth against the other. Tie Wire These are the funny little wires that fasten your archwire to the brackets. They are twisted, leaving a small “pigtail” or twisted wire, which is then tucked under the archwire. Sometimes, during eating or brushing, they may become bent outward and stick out. If this happens, take something blunt or a toothpick – fingernail, and push it back under the archwire. Modules These are the rubber rings, that hold the archwire into place. They come in many designer colours. We will let you choose which colour you would like at each visit. So have some fun with these!