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FAQs at Wavescape Orthodontics

At Wavescape Orthodontics, we understand that you may have questions about orthodontic treatment. To address your concerns, we’ve compiled a list of common issues that our patients often ask about.

How long will I need to have braces?

Your individual situation determines the amount of change that needs to occur with braces. Fixed braces generally take 12-24 months, but may be longer for complex issues or if you don’t adhere to the treatment regimen you’re given. Other options such as clear aligners may involve shorter treatment times.

How often will I come in during treatment?

Braces require regular adjustments to ensure they’re working as they should. You’ll usually have appointments every six to eight weeks to check that the correct progress is being made.

Will my mouth feel sore?

You may be sensitive to the changes we’re making, but getting used to braces will generally take just a few days. There is extra pressure added by the braces, leading to a tight feeling after your adjustments. You can use ibuprofen or paracetamol for discomfort. If sore spots form on your cheek or lips, you’ll be given orthodontic wax to place over areas that are causing irritation.

Can I eat as I normally do?

Some foods can damage or even break your braces. You may want to stick to soft foods for the first few days. You should always avoid:

  • Hard foods (apples, carrots, ice, nuts, corn on the cob, popcorn, peanut brittle, minties)
  • Sticky foods (toffee, caramels, sticky lollies)
  • Foods high in sugar content
  • Acidic foods (soft drinks, cordials, lemons and lemon juice)
  • Sugar-sweetened gum (sugar-free is allowed if you’re careful and may reduce tenderness post-adjustment)

Other Precautions:

  • Don’t use your front teeth to bite through hard foods, as it may break the braces there.
  • Don’t chew on pencils, pens or fingernails.
  • Brush and floss regularly to keep teeth strong and healthy

What is the best way to clean my mouth and braces?

Teeth and braces should be cleaned after each meal with special attention paid to each individual tooth and the surrounding gum. Interdental brushes clean under the wires and between braces. If you’re experiencing gums that bleed, are tender or swell, it’s a sign of poor cleaning. Which products are best to look after my braces and oral health?

  • Total care toothpastes. Ingredients like fluoride control plaque, decay and disease while giving you fresh breath.
  • Battery-operated or electric toothbrushes. They can effectively clean all surfaces of your teeth.
  • Interdental brushes. Clean around your braces and under the wires, in between teeth and around brackets.
  • Floss threaders or super-floss. Dental floss can fit between teeth and under the wires to clean your gums.
  • Disclosing tablets. A harmless dye makes dental plaque easy to see so that you know you’re brushing properly. Available at your dentist, pharmacy or supermarket.
  • Fluoride mouth rinses. Used regularly, they can prevent decay or decalcification. Only use under instruction from your dental professional.

Can I still participate in sports?

If you’re wearing braces and play contact sports, a specialised mouthguard that goes smoothly over your braces should be worn. You can have one made at our practice or purchase a mouldable one from a chemist. Removable plates can be taken out while playing sport, particularly swimming. You must still wear a mouthguard if the plates are removed, and put them back in as soon as possible.

Can I speak normally with braces?

If plates or expanders are involved, speech may be affected when you say certain words. Lisping may also occur at first but most can quickly adapt to these changes and speak clearly.

Why do braces require extra care?

If braces and teeth are kept clean, you can avoid future decay, gum problems and decalcification, which is caused when the mineral calcium on the surface of teeth is lost. It can cause white spots on your teeth when braces have been removed. Routine dental examinations are important, too, so that your teeth and mouth stay in great shape.

Will I wear retainers once treatment is complete?

Once your teeth are in the proper position, the gum tissue and bone can still be unstable. Retainers or plates are required to keep teeth in place. It can take months, so initially you’ll wear retainers full-time, reduced as stabilisation occurs.

Can I play musical instruments while wearing braces?

Wind instruments may be a challenge to get used to with braces, though you can continue playing. If you have a removable plate, you can store it in a retainer box to play.

What if I damage my braces or lose my plate?

Ring our practice a soon as possible if damage or loss occurs. If your braces aren’t attached to teeth or are out of position, it will affect your treatment.

Contact Us Today

Contact Wavescape Orthodontics in Dee Why today to learn more! Your health fund may offer orthodontic coverage, and flexible payment plans are available to suit your budget.
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FAQs at Wavescape Orthodontics | 02 9984 9849