How to Help Yourself

Name: Embrace Orthodontists.
Address: 74 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT, 2617, Australia
Telephone: (02) 6251 3455

The success of your treatment depends on your cooperation.

Tenderness

For the first few days your teeth are likely to be tender. To overcome this tenderness as quickly as possible, you must use your teeth. We recommend chewing sugarless chewing gum as a source of jaw/teeth exercise.

An analgesic, such as a panadol, will take away some of the tenderness and help you get to sleep.

Brushing

Poor brushing results in inflamed gums, increasing tooth tenderness throughout treatment. Take extra time and care when brushing your teeth and braces. We recommend patients in treatment use junior toothbrushes which have soft nylon bristles and small heads for those “hard to reach” places. Purchase of a suitable toothbrush can be made at reception – please ask.

As orthodontists, we promote the practice of good oral hygiene and provide qualified hygienists to teach this. It is important to clean your teeth thoroughly after each meal (including after lunch at school).

Mouth Ulcers

Some individuals are prone to mouth ulcers, others are not. If you find that your braces are causing some discomfort or irritation to your mouth, use the silicon wax given to you. Instructions are provided.

Be aware that some mouth habits can further irritate your lips and cheeks.

Damage

If you break your braces, please contact us as soon as possible so that your next appointment can be changed.

Appointments

Help us to help you by being on time for your appointments. Missed appointments prolong treatment time. Remember to bring your headgear, appliances or retainers with you to your appointments, even if you only wear these at night.

Eating

Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, and fizzy soft drinks. The best method to eat most food is to cut it up into small pieces and avoid using your front teeth as the biting source.