It is absolutely normal to experience some discomfort right after the braces has been put in place. Your teeth will be more sensitive than normal, which can last for some 3 to 7 days.

Your cheeks, your lips and your tongue too will need a couple of days to get used to these new appliance.

Small mouth ulcers and minor injuries may also occur. It is recommended to apply wax to the irritating parts of you appliance and mouthwash can stimulate the curing process.

Yes, especially regarding the food. The eating of tough and sticky food is to be avoided when wearing fixed braces, more in particular:

• Baguette
• Apples
• Sticky sweets and chewing-gums
• caramel toffees, nougat, …
• Caramel toffees, nougat, …

Do not bite your nails or do not nibble a pen… it can break your appliance.

During your treatment you can practice any sport you like. It is recommended though to wear a mouthguard when practicing contact sports so to protect not only your teeth, but also the soft tissues and the brace itself.

You child runs the risk of developing dental caries and gum problems (swelling and bleeding of the gums). It is essential that you keep your child motivated, otherwise the orthodontist will remove the brace.

The length of an orthodontic treatment largely depends on the importance of the malocclusion to be corrected, on the age at which is being started and finally on the collaboration of the patient and his parents. A treatment lasts between 6 to 12 months for minor corrections and between 12 to 30 months for more complex corrections.

No matter what age, orthodontics for adults can be as effective as for children. However, certain displacements can take more time than with children.

Orthodontics can help recreating aesthetic smiles, make faces look younger and help keeping teeth healthy much longer.