Braces are made up of 3 components: 

1. A bracket may dislodge - if this happens, place some wax over the top to smooth it over and give us a call;
2. The wire may break or dig in - if this happens, again give us a call, however if it can't wait use some nail clippers to cut the wire short;
3. A module may pop off - to check for this we recommend examining your braces once a week in front of the mirror to ensure all the modules are accounted for, if you notice one has come off call us ASAP.

Drinks that are acidic or high in sugar can damage teeth when consumed frequently or when sipped over extended periods of time. It is recommended that you reduce your intake of soft drinks, juices, cordials and sports drinks. Drink lots of water to increase your saliva flow. Saliva is the body's natural defence against tooth decay.

Foods you can eat:

1. Soup
2. Mashed potato
3. Steamed Vegetables
4. Scrambled eggs
5. Rice
6. Pasta
7. Fish
8. Salad
9. Yoghurt
10. Fruit Salad

Foods to avoid:

1. Popcorn
2. Corn off the cob
3. Meat off the bone
4. Caramels
5. Chewy lollies
6. Hard lollies
7. Hard nuts
8. Redskins
9. Lollipops
10. Hard breads

When your braces are fitted, they may rub on your cheeks. Using dental wax can help prevent ulcers. Roll a small piece of wax into the shape of a ball and squeeze it a few times to soften it. Dry the area with a tissue or cotton ball, as the wax will not stick if the area is moist. Shape the wax over the irritating bracket or wire. 

It is important to floss as it removes plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Your teeth may be in danger of tooth decay if you do not floss while your braces are on. Thread a piece of floss through a floss threader then slide the floss threader in the small gap between two teeth and the wire. This will result in the floss being in the perfect position to floss. We recommend you floss your teeth at least once every two days. This may take some effort at first but practice makes perfect!

Use a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft brush to clean your braces. It is important to brush for 3-4 minutes twice a day. Remember 5 points when it comes to brushing your orthodontic appliances:

1. Grip the toothbrush firmly;
2. Brush across your braces from right to left, concentrating on the front and corners of the mouth;
3. Brush the entire tooth surface;
4. Use gentle circular motions;
5. Brush the outside, top, and inside surfaces.

Discomfort from your braces will start 2 hours after your appointment and will last for 2 days. Be prepared! We recommend taking a course of painkillers.

For adults and children over 12: alternate between ONE 500mg tablet of Panadol THEN ONE 200mg tablet of Nurofen every 4 hours for 2 days.

For children under 12: alternate between these painkillers every 6 hours for 2 days. (N.B. there's no need to take any painkillers while sleeping.)

Orthodontic discomfort tends to peak 24 hours after your appointment and normally subsides after 48 hours. Avoiding hot foods, eating soft foods, and drinking cold drinks will help during this period.