During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment takes anywhere from a few months to two years or more, depending on the complexity of your case. Here's everything you need to know about looking after your smile while treatment is underway.
Follow-up Appointments
Unless you're using Remote Monitoring for remote check-ups, you'll need to visit us regularly so we can ensure everything is progressing as planned.
Aligner Patients
With Remote Monitoring
Track your progress from home with weekly scans via our app. We monitor remotely and only ask you to come in when necessary - typically just a handful of visits throughout treatment.
Brace Patients
Regular appointments
You'll visit us every six to eight weeks so we can check your progress, change your wires and make any adjustments needed to keep your treatment on track.
Track Your Progress From Home
All our aligner patients benefit from remote monitoring technology. Using a smartphone app, you upload regular scans of your teeth from home and our team reviews your progress remotely — we'll only ask you to come in when needed.
- Upload weekly scans from the comfort of home
- Receive feedback on whether treatment is on track
- Know exactly when to change to your next aligner
- Message us directly with any questions
- Fewer in-person appointments needed
- Problems spotted early before they become issues
Remote monitoring is included for all clear aligner patients at no extra cost.
Caring for Your Braces or Aligners
Proper care of your appliance ensures treatment stays on track and your teeth stay healthy throughout.
Clear Aligners
Wear Time
Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Only remove them for eating, drinking (except water) and brushing.
Cleaning
Rinse your aligners every time you remove them. Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and clear liquid soap - avoid toothpaste as it can scratch.
Storage
Always store aligners in their case when not in your mouth. Never wrap them in tissue - they'll end up in the bin!
Changing Aligners
Follow your schedule for changing to new aligners. If using Remote Monitoring, wait for confirmation before switching.
Fixed Braces
Foods to Avoid
Stay away from hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage brackets - no toffee, popcorn, hard sweets or biting into apples.
Cleaning Around Brackets
Brush carefully around each bracket and under the wire. Use interdental brushes to clean between brackets and floss threaders to get under the wire.
Protect Your Braces
Wear a mouthguard during sports. If a bracket comes loose or a wire is poking, contact us - don't try to fix it yourself.
Wax for Comfort
Use orthodontic wax on any brackets or wires causing irritation. It creates a smooth barrier between your braces and cheeks.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
During orthodontic treatment, your teeth can be more sensitive and susceptible to plaque build-up. Good oral hygiene is essential.
Brush After Every Meal
Food trapped around braces or under aligners can cause decay. Brush within 30 minutes of eating whenever possible.
Use the Right Tools
Interdental brushes, floss threaders and water flossers make cleaning around appliances much easier and more effective.
Don't Skip Your Tongue & Gums
Brush your tongue and along the gumline. Plaque builds up everywhere, not just on teeth.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash helps strengthen enamel and reach areas your brush might miss. Use it before bed for best results.
Book a Hygiene Appointment
We recommend regular hygiene visits with Indu throughout your treatment. Professional cleaning helps keep your gums healthy and your teeth in the best possible condition while you straighten.
Learn About Oral HygieneIf Something Goes Wrong
Don't worry - minor issues happen and we're here to help. Here's what to do if you run into problems.
Bracket Comes Loose
Don't panic. If it's still attached to the wire, leave it in place and call us. If it's come off completely, keep it safe and contact us to arrange a repair appointment.
Wire Poking Your Cheek
Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end. If you can't get comfortable, call us and we'll see you as soon as possible to trim or adjust it.
Lost or Broken Aligner
Contact us right away. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may ask you to move to your next aligner or go back to your previous one temporarily.
Significant Pain or Swelling
Some discomfort after adjustments is normal, but significant pain or swelling isn't. Contact us immediately so we can assess the situation.
Aligner Patients
Message us directly through the Remote Monitoring app - we typically respond within hours.
Call or WhatsApp
For urgent concerns or if you prefer to speak to someone directly.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Book a free consultation and take the first step towards your new smile.
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