The brace has 4 metal bands that are glued to your teeth. The bands are joined to a metal framework which has a screw in the middle. Each turn of the screw moves the 2 halves of your upper jaw bone apart.
Turn the screw twice a day, 1 turn in the morning and 1 in the evening. Lay back on a sofa at home and tilt your chin up. Ask a parent or guardian to place the special key into the hole at the front of the screw. They’ll then need to push the key towards the back of the mouth to turn the screw (as shown by the arrow).
Appointments
You’ll need several appointments whilst you’re turning the screw. After a couple of weeks, we’ll seal the screw up. The brace will stay in place for 3 months while the bone heals under the gum. Your orthodontist will then discuss further treatment with you.
Discomfort, gaps and speech
Your brace may feel strange to begin with. You may feel a sense of pushing on your teeth at first but this will soon go away. The brace may rub your lips and cheeks.
To help with pain take the same medicine that you would for a headache (follow the directions for use). Use comfort wax if the brace rubs. Mouth ulcers are common but should clear up within a week or two.
A gap often appears between the top teeth during the first couple of weeks. The gap will close.
You may find your speech is different at first but this will improve after a few days. Practice at home on your own and read out aloud.
Nosebleeds can occur. Please ring the department if this happens. To stop a nosebleed, sit or stand upright and pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes. Lean forward and breathe through your mouth.
Eating and drinking
Eat soft foods cut into small pieces to begin with. You can gradually start to eat other types of food after a few days.
Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. Remember to cut up foods such as apples and carrots. Avoid sticky, chewy or hard sweets, mints and sugared chewing gum.
Only drink plain milk or plain water between meals to avoid tooth decay. Do not drink any fizzy drinks (including diet or sugar-free drinks). Do not drink any sports drinks. Avoid fruit juices and smoothies between meals.
Cleaning your teeth and brace
Extra brushing is needed during treatment as you’ll find it harder to keep your teeth, gums and brace clean.
Brush your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and after all meals. Use an electric or manual toothbrush. You must also use an interdental brush or single-tufted brush to clean around the metal bands and framework.
Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride once a day to help prevent tooth decay. Use mouthwash at a different time of day to brushing, such as after lunch.
Habits
Do not bite your fingernails or chew pens. This can damage the brace, your teeth and gums.
Musical instruments
Do not play brass or wind instruments while this brace is worn.
Breakages and problems
Please ring the department as soon as possible on 01228 814225 if you have any problems or concerns. Do not wait for your next appointment. If this occurs at the weekend, stop turning the screw and ring Monday morning.
Useful websites
British Orthodontic Society – Patient Information Leaflets: www.bos.org.uk/BOS-Homepage/Patient-Information-Leaflets
NCIC Orthodontics: www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/orthodontics
Contact details
Orthodontic Department
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road
Carlisle
CA2 7HY
Call 01228 814225
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302