FAQ'S
Here Are A Few Of The Most Common Questions About Living With Braces
How long will it take to get them fitted and will it be painful?
75 - 90 minutes. It will not be painful but it is common to feel some achiness for a few days.
Taking paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help to reduce the discomfort.
How often do I need to come back to adjust my braces and will it be painful?
You will need regular appointments (every 4-6 weeks) during the entire period of the treatment to allow your braces to be adjusted. It is likely to be sore for a couple of days each time the braces are adjusted. If necessary taking paracetamol or Ibuprofen will help. If the braces rub your lips or cheeks applying wax will help.
Can I eat normally?
There are a few things that we recommend you avoid or take extra care with to make sure your orthodontic treatment works well and in the shortest possible time. Hard foods can be eaten with care if you cut them up first.
What about tooth brushing?
It’s really important that you brush your teeth thoroughly morning and night using a fluoride toothpaste. This is to avoid any permanent scarring of your teeth. Using a fluoride mouth rinse last thing at night is also recommended.
How long will I have to wear braces for?
It usually takes 12-24 months, but will vary according to how severe your case is. Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the braces will add to the overall treatment time.
Do I need to see my regular dentist?
Yes. It is important you have regular check-ups with your general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.
What should I do if I am having problems with my braces?
It's very rare for an emergency to occur but if you do break something don't wait for your next appointment. Broken fixtures can alter the pressure on your teeth and result in you needing to wear braces for longer. The broken parts can also hurt the inside of your mouth.
If you have any problems just call us as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
What happens after my braces are removed?
It will be necessary to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their final position. This will involve wearing plastic removable retainers at night and a fixed wire behind your front teeth.
What if I lose or break my retainer?
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can arrange a replacement. Wearing your retainer as instructed is essential to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
Yes. We recommend avoiding chewy or hard foods such as toffee, caramel, and hard nuts, as they can damage your braces and delay treatment.
What are Lightforce orthodontic braces?
Lightforce is a state-of-the-art digital orthodontic braces system that allows for custom made ceramic (white) braces for each individual patient using 3D printing technology. It helps Orthodontists create braces that are tailored specifically to each patient's unique dental anatomy.
How does Lightforce improve my orthodontic treatment?
Lightforce enhances treatment precision and efficiency. By using customised ceramic brackets 3D printed for each individual patient, it can reduce overall treatment time and improve comfort, leading to better outcomes.
Is Lightforce suitable for all patients?
Lightforce is designed to accommodate a variety of orthodontic cases, from simple to complex. During your consultation, we will determine if it's the right choice for your specific needs.
