Frequently Asked Questions
Will it hurt?
Your mouth is likely to be sore for about three to five days after the brace has been fitted. If necessary, you can take painkillers such as those that you would normally take for a headache (please read the instructions on the packet). If you have an obvious area of soreness caused by the brace, please ring the Practice during normal working hours to make an appointment. If possible do not stop wearing the brace or you may have another three to five days of discomfort when you start to wear it again.
Will it affect my speech?
Your speech will be different at first. Practice speaking with the brace in place, perhaps by reading out loud to yourself at home, and your speech will return to normal within a few days.
You may also find that you produce more saliva and have to swallow more often. This is quite normal and will quickly settle.
How often will I need to visit the orthodontist?
You will need regular brace adjustment appointments with your orthodontist although the amount of time between each appointment will vary.
Do I still need to see my regular dentist?
It is important that you continue to have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout your course of treatment so that your teeth can be monitored for any signs of decay.
Will I need to wear another brace once my treatment has finished?
Further orthodontic treatment with fixed braces may be needed after functional appliance treatment.
Request your complimentary assessment
Other Treatments Provided by Solihull Orthodontic Centre
Private Treatment
Private orthodontic treatment is available to patients of all ages. You can be referred to us by your family dentist, or self refer.
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-made removable aligners used as an alternative to traditional fixed braces. The aligners are transparent and almost invisible making this a popular form of treatment amongst adults and teenagers who would like to straighten their teeth without the look or feel of fixed braces.
Ceramic Aesthetic Fixed Braces
Ceramic aesthetic fixed braces are a good choice if you are concerned about the appearance of metal braces. They work in exactly the same way as stainless steel appliances but are made from a translucent ceramic so that they blend with the underlying tooth colour.
NHS Treatments
NHS treatment is available to eligible patients under 18 years and is intended to provide treatment for those patients who require it on the grounds of dental health.
Traditional Fixed Braces
Fixed braces are carefully bonded onto the teeth and stay in place for the course of treatment. Straightening wires run between the various attachments and are held in place with elastics.
Removable Braces
Removable braces can be removed from your mouth yourself for cleaning. They are used to carry out simple tooth movements and often used in conjunction with a fixed brace.
Retainers
Following orthodontic treatment it is important that the teeth are held in their new straightened position. This can be achieved by wearing removable or fixed retainers or a combination of the two.