Emergencies

If you have a genuine emergency (i.e. pain that cannot wait to be treated or a wire digging in - not just a broken brace) outside of practice hours, you can call the emergency number in your area. Below you will find a list of some of the more common problems that may occur during orthodontic treatment and how to deal with these problems.

General Soreness:

It is common and normal to experience some soreness during orthodontic treatment. This can last three to four days after an adjustment. To alleviate discomfort, we recommend that patients eat softer foods and rinse after each meal. Pain relievers may also help.

Sore spots:

Occasionally patients may develop ulcers while wearing braces. There is no cure for ulcers, but to help relieve any discomfort we recommend placing wax on the problematic area of the braces.  Ulcers generally heal within 7 – 10 days. Please call us if you do not experience relief after this time period.

Injury:

Orthodontic appliances can be damaged when a patient sustains injury to the face or mouth. Call for an appointment if the teeth feel loose or if the appliance is broken. If you choose, we can create a customised mouthguard to protect your teeth and appliances during contact sports.

Loose teeth:

Do not be surprised if teeth feel loose during treatment. While the teeth are being moved into line they become mobile but when the brace is removed the teeth will become more stable again.

Separator/Spacer is out:

If a separator (spacer) falls out a day or two before your next appointment you do not need to have it replaced.

Rubber bands:

Rubber band wear will cause sore teeth when you first begin wearing them (approximately the first 3 – 4 days). Once the teeth begin to move, this soreness will go away. Do not get discouraged. If the pain is more than you can bear then, take pain relief that normally take for a headache but make sure to follow the instructions on the medicine pack. Do not continue wearing the rubber bands if you are unsure how they are to be worn. Call us during practice hours and we will let you know how to wear your elastics.

Broken wire:

Call the practice during practice hours to arrange an emergency appointment. Place wax over the area if the wire is poking.

A loose band or bracket:

Call us during practice hours and arrange a repair appointment. If the loose band or bracket is irritating the gums or cheek, first dry the area with a tissue, then place wax over the part of the brace that feels sharp.

Missing or broken elastic ties:

If there is no pain associated with this then leave it alone but please make sure you mention it to your orthodontist on your next visit.

Gaps:

Gaps may appear between your teeth during your treatment, this is quite normal. All gaps will be closed prior to the end of the treatment.

How Braces Work: A Specialist Orthodontist's Perspective

Greetings from Brace Club Orthodontics! As a specialist orthodontist, I'm thrilled to provide an in-depth perspective on the marvels of braces and the science behind crafting a perfect smile. Let's delve into the intricacies of orthodontic treatment, unraveling the magic that sets the foundation for your orthodontic journey.

A Specialist's Insight

Braces, in their nuanced brilliance, act as catalysts for transforming smiles. As a specialist orthodontist, my aim is to guide you through the intricate mechanisms that orchestrate this transformation. Brace yourself for a journey where controlled force and meticulous planning converge to create a masterpiece – your radiant smile.

The Foundation: Orthodontic Expertise

In the realm of orthodontics, precision is paramount. Braces leverage controlled force to navigate teeth into optimal alignment. Let's dissect the components – brackets, archwires, and rubber bands – each playing a strategic role under the watchful eye of orthodontic expertise.

The Process: Craftsmanship in Motion

• Consultation and Planning: Your journey begins with a meticulous consultation, where we assess your unique needs and formulate a bespoke plan tailored to achieve your dream smile. Each patient has different needs, and the problem range from severe crowding to light spacing. Identifying the initial list of problems to solve is a crucial first step, making the consultation appointment absolutely necessary.

• Fitting the Braces: As a specialist, fitting your braces is a momentous step. Whether it's traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or innovative lingual braces, each placement is a calculated move towards perfection. Whether you choose metal braces, clear braces, or lingual braces, the precise placement of the bracket is key. A skilled orthodontist may take up to an hour to bond the brackets at a specific height on the teeth because this is such an important step. The brackets come with coloured identifying markers, allowing them to be individually placed by hand, one at a time. Even Invisalign requires tiny tooth-colored grips known as attachments. The main takeaway is that even if you choose Invisalign aligners for your treatment, some tiny grips will be needed on some teeth; otherwise, the teeth are too slippery to control by clear plastic covers alone.

• Regular Adjustments: Periodic adjustments are for inspecting and correcting bracket positions, wire changes, and additional elements added to the braces at various stages, bringing you closer to the perfect alignment. Occasionally, there will be bracket repairs, but ideally, you would want to avoid these because they may prolong your total treatment length. Breakages can be avoided by choosing soft foods and avoiding tough or chewy options.

• Handling Emergencies: Our emergency care is designed to keep your journey on track. A single loose bracket may not cause you any pain, so the best course of action is to apply some comfort wax until your next appointment. Missing a school day for something like that is simply not worth it. Just don't try to fix it yourself by pulling off the rest of the brace and causing further damage.

• The Perfect Smile: Now that you know how important it is to have the brackets carefully positioned onto the ideal spot on each tooth, you need to know that each bracket is milled with a U-shaped slot or groove which lets the wire sit into. The set of wires we use are five in number but incrementally thicker. The treatment starts off with the thinnest, gentle wire so that all teeth, no matter how crowded, can be connected, at least partially. Only near the end of the treatment, when the teeth are almost perfectly straight, can we insert the thickest wire. Elastic wear may be required at various stages throughout your treatment to reduce the protrusion of the upper incisors, for example.

• Finishing and Detailing: Only a highly skilled Orthodontist like myself would be able to use the sixth wire for placing finishing details on the wire should the pre-prescribed appliance fall short of perfect end-results.

• Brace Removal: The brackets peel off easily, and the bracket adhesive is cleaned away from the teeth, leaving them sound, smooth, and shiny. Final photos and a 3D scan of the teeth are necessary for making the final retainers.

Understanding how braces work is an empowering aspect of your orthodontic journey. Orthodontics is about enriching lives through confident smiles.

Not sure what brace type to choose? Click here to take the What is the Best Brace Quiz?

How Invisalign Aligners Work: Decoding Invisalign by a Specialist Orthodontist

As a specialist orthodontist, I'm thrilled to unveil the transformative process of Invisalign – a clear aligner revolution that redefines orthodontic excellence. Join me in exploring the nuanced artistry behind Invisalign, where innovation meets precision for a flawless smile.

A Specialist's Perspective

Invisalign, a testament to technological innovation, marks a paradigm shift in orthodontic treatment. As a specialist orthodontist, my goal is to guide you through the intricacies of this invisible marvel. Brace yourself for a journey where transparency and comfort converge to redefine your orthodontic experience.

The Core Technology: Precision in Motion

• Customised Treatment Plan: An initial consultation is absolutely essential. This is the right time to discuss with your Orthodontist your desired outcome or a list of problems to be addressed. Once you have agreed on a treatment plan, we initiate your Invisalign journey with a 3D digital scan for the creation of a Clincheck video, a 3D model of your teeth showing all the expected movements week by week and the end result.

• Transparent Aligners: Invisalign aligners for the treatment of moderate crowding will most likely be made up of two or three sets of 14-35 pairs aligners. The aligners are clear, removable, and each consecutive pair is incrementally different from the one before. The pressure applied by each consecutive pair of aligners guides your teeth into place, week by week, ensuring comfort and virtually invisible treatment at the same time. Attachments are necessary for efficient tooth movement, and even with Invisalign, some teeth will require tiny tooth-colored grips. The key takeaway is that with the Invisalign appliance system, you must wear each pair of plastic aligners for one to two weeks but no less than 20-22 hours a day.

• Progressive Adjustments: Transitioning to new aligners every few weeks, each set strategically designed for a guided progression towards your final, perfectly aligned smile. My role is to detect any teeth slipping out from under the control of the aligner and let you know how well you are doing with your aligner wear efforts. Occasionally, accessory elements may be needed, such as a few brackets or buttons to be bonded and elastics to be worn even with the Invisalign technique to help more difficult movements take place, such as a severely rotated tooth.

• Finishing and Detailing: Bringing the treatment to an end usually requires a separate set of refinement aligners and possibly some elastics wear.

• Attachments Removal: All attachments are made from bracket adhesive which will be gently cleaned away from the teeth, leaving the teeth sound, smooth, and shiny. Final photos and a 3D scan of the teeth are necessary for making the final retainers.

The Advantages: A Specialist's Insights

• Invisibility: Clear aligners are virtually undetectable, allowing for discreet orthodontic treatment.

• Comfort: With no wires or brackets, Invisalign offers a level of comfort that traditional braces can't match.

• Removability: Enjoy the freedom to remove the aligners for meals and oral hygiene, ensuring no dietary restrictions and easier maintenance

• Predictability: The 3D treatment simulation offers a sneak peek into your future smile, providing visual assurance of the end result under the guidance of a specialist.

The Journey: Precision and Expertise

• Consultation and Planning: A detailed consultation kickstarts your Invisalign journey, discussing your goals and presenting a comprehensive plan.

• Aligner Fitting: Custom-fitted aligners, overseen by a specialist orthodontist, ensure a snug and comfortable fit, officially commencing your journey to a dream smile.

• Regular Progress Checks: Periodic check-ups allow me to monitor your progress, providing expert adjustments to your treatment plan.

• Freedom and Flexibility: Embrace the flexibility of Invisalign – eat what you want, maintain oral hygiene with ease, and smile confidently throughout your treatment.

The Specialist's Touch

Invisalign isn't just about straightening teeth; it's about transforming lives with a discreet and convenient solution, guided by the precision of a specialist orthodontist. Brace Club Orthodontics invites you to experience the invisible magic of Invisalign – your key to a confident and radiant smile.

Not sure if the Invisalign aligners type of appliance is right for you? Click here to take the What is the Best Brace Quiz?