Recommendations for patients using fixed appliances

When using a fixed appliance, it is crucial to adhere to the schedule of visits determining the effectiveness of treatment. Skipping follow-up visits results in longer treatment time and increases the risk of complications. In the event of any camera failure, an additional appointment should be made as soon as possible.

There is no need to introduce strict diets while using fixed braces, but it is worth adhering to a few key rules:

1. Do not use chewing gum.
2. Avoid sweet and sticky foods (e.g. toffee, fudge).
3. Avoid biting very hard foods like walnuts, apples, seeds. This is a common cause of camera failure.
4. Do not bite food with your front teeth.

Oral hygiene during the use of fixed braces is much more difficult. Food remnants often remain in the crevices of the braces, which can lead to bacterial infections. As a consequence, demineralization of the enamel, caries cavities and inflammation of the gums may occur. Therefore, throughout the orthodontic treatment, dental check-ups with the attending physician should take place every 3 months.

Good hygiene practices when wearing braces:

1. Rinse your mouth after any sweet or sour liquid.
2. Brush your teeth after every meal.
3. Use toothbrushes and floss specifically designed for fixed braces.
4. Clean the places under the arch and under the bracket of the braces with single-tuft brushes.
5. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
6. Brush your teeth with a sweeping motion on the lateral surfaces of the teeth (from the gums to the crown of the tooth) and a scrubbing motion on the chewing surfaces.
7. In case of irritation of the mucous membrane by parts of the apparatus, apply protective wax to the irritating parts of the apparatus.

An alternative to traditional fixed braces are currently transparent overlay braces, which, in addition to aesthetic values, significantly facilitate maintaining proper oral hygiene throughout the treatment period.