Take care of your braces

Fixed braces are glued to the teeth. You must pay attention to several things to achieve a good result.

Brush your teeth clean every day

Regular, thorough brushing is crucial to prevent the formation of caries. If dirt accumulates around the braces, it can lead to permanent marks, which are caries. These marks may start as white but can turn brown over time. Therefore, it's vital to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene.

How to brush your teeth

1. Start by brushing the area between the braces and the gums. Apply gentle pressure to ensure the bristles can effectively reach around the braces.
2. Then, brush the area between the braces and the chewing surface. Press lightly so the toothbrush bristles can get around the brace as efficiently as possible.
3. Brush over the brace. Remember to brush the chewing surface and the back of the teeth.

It can be challenging to brush clean between the teeth. Therefore, it may be necessary to use a solo toothbrush or the tip of the toothbrush.

Take care of your brace, especially when eating

The brace is designed to be removed without leaving marks, but it's still important to be cautious when eating. Hard, tough, or sticky foods can potentially damage the brace. If you're unsure about what foods are safe to eat, don't hesitate to ask at the dental clinic.

Removable braces are not fixed to the teeth and can be removed, for example, when you eat.

You must use the braces precisely as agreed at the orthodontics clinic.

Always remember to bring the braces when you go to the dentist.

How to clean your removable braces

• The brace should be brushed every day, possibly with an extra toothbrush
• Remove the brace from your mouth when cleaning it
• Use cold or lukewarm water and a little toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, or liquid hand soap
• The brace does not tolerate boiling water and cannot go in the dishwasher

Failure to maintain the cleanliness of your braces can lead to discomfort and potential oral health issues. If the braces are very dirty, follow these steps to clean them. Proper storage of your braces is crucial to prevent damage and ensure they remain clean and safe. 

Soak it in two teaspoons of enzyme-containing washing powder dissolved in a glass of water. Remember to brush and rinse the brace well afterwards.

Remove calcium and tartar

After a few months of use, hard white deposits may appear on the brace. These can be tartar or calcium deposits. Soak the brace in a glass with equal parts vinegar and water. After some hours, you can brush it clean.

How to Store Your Braces

You received a case with your brace. Always take the case with you to school and other places and use it to store your brace when you are not wearing it. Never place the brace on the table or in a napkin. Also, remember to clean the case – it can go in the dishwasher.

Do you have a dog?

Make sure it cannot get hold of the brace. Dogs love to chew on braces!

The Herbst appliance, a crucial tool in correcting overbite when used in conjunction with fixed braces, is affixed to the teeth and aids in pushing the lower jaw forward.

How to reassemble the rods yourself

It's common for the rods to come apart when you yawn. If this occurs, you can confidently reassemble them by following these steps.

Here's how:

If the Herbst breaks

If the Herbst appliance becomes loose or if you are bothered by something about the brace, call the orthodontic clinic and schedule an appointment so we can help you. If the Herbst appliance falls off, it's important that you bring the loose parts with you. This will allow us to reattach them and ensure the appliance works effectively.

Your teeth may feel a bit sore in the first few days after getting braces. During this time, it might be more comfortable to eat soft foods. Here are some good ideas:

Breakfast

• Oatmeal porridge, possibly boiled with milk
• Yoghurt, soured milk (tykmælk), or A38 with mashed fruits or rye bread crumbs without sugar

Packed lunch

• Sandwich with plain tuna/soured cream, chopped eggs/soured cream, or cream cheese mixed with small pieces of red/green pepper
• Banana or kiwi for dessert

Dinner

• Various soups
• Omelette/scrambled eggs
• Rice pudding (risengrød)
• Mashed potatoes
• Stewed fruit with milk

Avoid tough foods

The soreness will disappear after a few days as your teeth get used to the braces. Once your teeth are no longer sore, you can eat almost anything. However, avoid tough foods like gummy candies and liquorice, which can break the braces.

When you finish using your braces, a retainer wire will be glued to the back of your teeth. This wire is also known as a retention wire.

The retention wire is important to ensure that your teeth do not move.

Keep the retention wire clean

It is important to keep the retention wire clean. You can do this by brushing your teeth carefully, either by vertically turning your toothbrush or using a solo toothbrush. Brush so that the bristles get as much as possible between the teeth.

If the wire breaks

If the retention wire breaks or if something bothers you, call and schedule an appointment with the clinic for orthodontics so we can help you. Avoid pulling off the retention wire. If the wire falls off completely, bringing it to the clinic so it can be reattached is a good idea.

When your braces are removed, a "retainer wire" – technically known as a retention wire – will be bonded to the back of your teeth. The retention wire is crucial for maintaining the achieved results, and we recommend keeping it for life. If the wire is removed, there is always a risk that your teeth will shift.

The retention wire can remain in place as long as it does not cause any problems.

If it breaks or something about the wire bothers you, please contact your local dental clinic.

When you are discharged from the municipal dental clinics or when you turn 22, you will need to ensure the retention wire is maintained and, if necessary, re-bonded by your new dentist. You will be responsible for the costs.

Keep the retention wire clean

It is important to keep the retention wire clean. You can do this by brushing your teeth carefully, either by vertically turning your toothbrush or using a solo toothbrush. Brush so that the bristles get as much as possible between the teeth.