Instructions for Braces
Brushing and Cleaning
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2–3 minutes.
Angle your toothbrush at 45° towards the gumline and around the brackets.
Use interdental brushes to clean under wires.
Superfloss or floss threaders are essential for cleaning between the teeth daily.
Disclosing tablets can be used once a week to reveal areas missed during brushing. They turn plaque a different colour so you can brush it away.
Diet Guidelines
Avoid sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy foods to prevent damage to the braces:
❌ Chewing gum, toffees, caramel
❌ Popcorn, nuts, hard crackers
❌ Whole apples or carrots (only grated)
❌ Ice cubes
✅ Stick to soft foods like pasta, bananas, smoothies, and grated vegetables.
Wax Use
Orthodontic wax helps soothe irritation from brackets or wires.
Dry the area first with tissue, then place a small ball of wax over the irritating spot.
Emergencies
Loose bracket: Call us to book a repair appointment. Keep it in place with wax if it's bothering you.
Poking wire: Use the eraser end of a pencil to gently tuck it in or place wax over it.
Broken appliance: Save any broken pieces and contact us immediately.
Playing Sports
Always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
We recommend no-boil mouthguards (e.g., Opro snapfit) to avoid pressure on brackets.
Elastics
Wear them exactly as prescribed to move teeth efficiently.
Only remove them to eat or brush unless instructed otherwise.
Inconsistent wear delays progress.