Orthodontics is the movement of the teeth within the jaw bones to straighten them and help them to bite more evenly together.
Orthodontists are fully qualified dentists who have commonly completed a further period of training and examinations in order to specialise in orthodontics. A specialist orthodontist will have carried out at least 3 years of extra training after qualifying as a dentist. Only those dentists who have completed this training or equivalent can register with the GDC as a specialist orthodontist.
Suzy will have a talk to you to find out how you would like to improve your smile.
She with then carry out an orthodontic assessment and will take measurements of your teeth. Suzy normally takes photographs on the initial visit too. Impressions of the teeth are sometimes carried out at this appointment and radiographs arranged. After a discussion about your treatment options, an estimate detailing your preferred choices will be sent to you.
You will need: a small headed toothbrush, an interdental brush, Fluoride toothpaste, Fluoride mouthwash (to be rinsed with once daily at a different time to when you brush).
Using a fluoride toothpaste, brush the tooth surface between the wire and the gum-line, then between the wire and the tips of the teeth. Then use the interdental brush to clean carefully underneath the wire.
Fixed braces can be uncomfortable when first fitted. We provide brace wax to help ease any areas where the brace feels as if it’s rubbing. Roll up a pea sized piece of wax and gently push it onto the part of the brace that feels sharp. It normally takes a few days to get used to the new brace. Please contact the clinic if you have any concerns or if the discomfort is persisting.
No fizzy drinks (even the ‘diet ones’!), no sugary cordials, no sugar in tea or coffee. Keep fresh fruit juices to mealtimes (they are quite acidic). Beware of ‘no added sugar’ drinks…they may still contain sugar! Plain water, milk or tea (without sugar) is best! Please avoid hard foods. E.g. No hard crusty bread, hard pizza crusts, avoid corn on the cob, cut apples up small, take meat off the bone. For snacks between meals, choose ones low in sugar. E.g. plain crisps, bread sticks, toast or cheese and crackers (rather than cakes, sweets, biscuits & chocolate).
We advise that you wear an orthodontic sports mouthguard to protect your teeth and brace whilst you are taking part in contact sports. We can provide these on request.
Retainers are usually necessary to hold the teeth in position after orthodontic treatment. A bonded retainer is a thin wire fixed to the back of the front teeth. A removable retainer is usually a clear plastic retainer that is worn at night times to retain the teeth in position. These are both normally worn on a long term basis and will need replacing if they are lost or broken.
74 Macclesfield Road
Hazel Grove
Stockport
SK7 6DT
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