Orthodontic Information
Children’s Orthodontics
We are pleased to offer excellent private treatments for children, using a whole range of different orthodontic appliances, including:
- Removable Braces
- Functional Braces
- Fixed Braces
- Low-visibility braces such as Invisalign clear aligner system
- Ceramic fixed braces which are less noticeable than metal bracket braces
Appointment availability – we make every effort to accommodate appointments to fit around your needs. Private treatment appointments are often more flexible and your child can usually be seen after school hours.
Communication – with relaxed, unrushed appointments, we allow enough time to keep you informed and involved in your child’s treatment so you feel reassured that they are in good hands and well cared for.
Adult Orthodontics
Many adults mistakenly think that they are ‘too old’ for orthodontic treatment. The good news is that there are many orthodontic options for adults and that we are treating more adults than at any time in the past.
Adult orthodontic patients often have different needs to children and at Ridentes we try hard to understand our patient’s wishes. We offer a range of aesthetic options for adult teeth straightening and our dentist with a special interest in orthodontics will be able to discuss suitable treatments during your consultation.
What are the treatment options for adults?
At Ridentes we provide a whole range of discreet braces and aligners for adult treatment. This includes the Invisalign aligner system, ceramic tooth-coloured fixed braces and invisible lingual appliances such as the Incognito system.
Brace Care Tips
Perfect your brushing!
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment.
Brushing Advice
- Brush at least twice a day – after breakfast and evening meal
- If you can, we recommend brushing after lunch too – this will help keeps things nice and clean!
- Either a manual or electric toothbrush is fine. The important thing is that the brush is used in the correct way
- For patients wearing a fixed brace: use an interdental brush or a TePe brush to clean under the wires and in between the brackets. This brush is essential to be able to clean the teeth fully and reach the all the areas that your normal toothbrush won’t reach
- For patients wearing Invisalign: use a soft bristle brush with cold water and a small amount of toothpaste. It is not advisable to soak the alingers in denture cleaning solution or mouthwash as this can damage the surface of the alinger causing them to become dull and therefore more visible
Avoid certain foods that could damage your fixed brace
- Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls unless they are finely cut up first
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, crusty bread, pizza crusts
- Sticky foods: caramels, toffees
- Hard foods: nuts, boiled sweets
- Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots (unless they are finely chopped)
- Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces
- Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer
What if my mouth is sore at the beginning of treatment?
It is normal for a fixed brace to rub a little bit for a few days to start with, but it will settle as your cheeks get used to it.If there is a particular part of the brace that is rubbing, you can get relief by using orthodontic wax to cover the area that is causing the discomfort. If the teeth are tender to pressure, ensure you have a soft diet for a day or two. Regular over the counter pain relief should help too if needed.
If you would like to know and understand what your orthodontic options are you can contact the practice to arrange a consultation. Contact us on 01865 370375.
