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Ipswich Ortho

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Advice Sheets

Oral Hygiene (Bass Technique)

Please watch this video to improve your oral hygiene. It demonstrates the most effective tooth brushing technique, which is also suitable for people with fixed appliances when used with interdental brushes to clean around brackets.
Disclosing tablets are also helpful and can be purchased at reception. They use a temporary, non-toxic dye to reveal any plaque or debris left on your teeth before and after brushing, making it easier to see where you need to improve.

Fixed Appliance Aftercare Instructions

  • Some discomfort and difficulty eating is normal at first and should improve after a few days.
  • If your appliance is damaged (e.g. loose bracket or band), call reception immediately for advice. Do not wait until your next appointment.
  • Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Poor hygiene will lead to removal of your appliance and discontinuation of treatment. Ask us if you need support or guidance.
  • Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and before bed (ideally 3–4 times daily). If you’re at school or work, rinse your mouth with water and brush thoroughly when you return home.
  • Use interdental brushes daily to clean between brackets.
  • Continue to see your general dentist regularly throughout your orthodontic treatment.
  • Avoid chewy or hard sweets, toffee, chewing gum, and fizzy/energy drinks (e.g. Coke).
  • Avoid biting into hard foods such as bread crusts, pizza crust, apples, and raw carrots—cut or grate them instead.
  • Always attend appointments on time. Late arrivals will need to rebook.
  • Treatment will be discontinued if there is:
    • Poor compliance with instructions 
    • Missed appointments 
    • Repeated appliance breakages 
    • Ongoing poor oral hygiene
  • A mouth guard is strongly recommended for all sports, especially contact sports. Speak to your orthodontist or reception about our custom-made mouth guards.
  • Please watch the video below, featuring Dr. Williams, for a demonstration on how to brush effectively with a fixed appliance.

Removable Retainer Aftercare

  • Bring your retainers to every check-up so we can ensure they still fit correctly.
  • Retainers must be worn every night during sleep.
  • Some tightness is normal at first and should improve after a few nights.
  • Brush your teeth before putting in your retainer.
  • Clean your retainers daily with a toothbrush, cold water, and gentle liquid hand soap.
  • Once a week, soak them for 30 minutes in Fresh & Go tablets with cold water. (Available from reception.)
  • If you’re unable to wear your retainers for any reason, contact the practice immediately—do not wait for your next appointment.

Lost or broken retainers (beyond repair) must be replaced at your own cost.

  • Current NHS charge (as of April 2025): £98 per retainer.
  • NHS dental exemptions do not apply to orthodontic retainer replacements.
  • Continue regular check-ups with your own dentist throughout retention.
  • Failure to wear your retainer will result in tooth movement and relapse.
  • After one year, patients are discharged from NHS orthodontic care.
    • Any treatment or appointments beyond this point will be private and charged accordingly.
  • Night-time, lifelong retention is strongly recommended to maintain results.

This is a custom-made medical device made specifically for you. It meets the general safety and performance requirements of Annex 1 of the Medical Devices Regulations. This does not apply to devices that have been repaired or refurbished.

Twin Block Appliance Advice & Care

What is a Twin Block?

A Twin Block is a removable appliance designed to guide your jaws into a healthier position using natural growth and muscle movement. It can advance the lower jaw by up to 10mm over 9–12 months, often reducing the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery.

How to Wear:

  • Wear the appliance for 20+ hours per day unless advised otherwise.
  • Remove it only for:
    • Eating
    • Brushing teeth
    • Playing sports
  • Consistency is crucial: not wearing it properly will delay treatment and allow your jaw to return to its original position.

Appliance Expansion:

  • You will receive a small key to expand the appliance, typically once a week (or as instructed).
  • Only turn the screw as advised by your orthodontist.

Cleaning Instructions:

  • Clean your appliance morning and night with a toothbrush, cold water, and liquid hand soap.
  • Do not use toothpaste or hot water — this can damage the appliance.
  • Use Fresh & Go cleaning tablets once or twice a week (available from reception).
  • Always brush your teeth after meals before replacing the appliance.

Storage:

  • Use a retainer/storage box when the appliance is not in use to prevent loss or damage. (Available from reception.)

Speech and Comfort:

  • Some discomfort, cheek soreness, and increased saliva are normal at first.
  • Your speech may be affected temporarily. Practise speaking with the appliance in place — this helps speed up adaptation.

If Lost or Broken:

  • Minor breakages can often be repaired.
  • Major breakages or lost appliances may need to be replaced at your own cost under current NHS regulations.
  • Contact the surgery immediately—do not wait for your next appointment.

Regular Dental Visits:

You must continue to see your own dentist for routine dental check-ups throughout treatment.

This is a custom-made medical device designed specifically for you and compliant with Annex 1 of the Medical Devices Regulations. This excludes any devices that have been repaired or refurbished.

Instructional Video

Please watch the video below, featuring our specialist orthodontist Dr. Williams, where he explains how Twin Block appliances work, how they benefit your treatment, and how to care for them properly.

As of today, you have been discharged from NHS orthodontic care. This is standard for all NHS patients and occurs 12 months after your fixed braces are removed.

Retainer Wear Instructions

  • From now on, please wear your removable nighttime retainers at least 3 nights per week.
  • If they feel tight, increase the number of nights you wear them to maintain alignment.
  • Regular retainer wear is a lifelong commitment if you want to keep your teeth straight.
  • Stopping retainer use may lead to relapse (movement of teeth).

Ongoing Care

  • We recommend a retainer check every 12–18 months with us.
  • Continue to see your general dentist for routine dental check-ups.

Future Appointments

  • Now that you have been discharged from the NHS, you are classed as a Private patient.
  • Any future appointments or replacement retainers will be charged at standard private fees.

Retainer Replacement

  • Over time, retainers will naturally wear down and may need replacing.
  • Check regularly for:
    • Holes
    • Cracks
    • Vertical splits
      These can reduce the effectiveness of the retainer.
  • The current replacement fee is £125 per retainer (subject to change).

For any questions or to book a private retainer check, please call us on:  📞 01473 255399

Thank you for your cooperation throughout your treatment.

Orthodontic Aftercare Instructions

Fixed Appliance Care

  • Initial discomfort and difficulty eating is normal and should ease within a few days.
  • If your appliance becomes damaged (e.g. loose brackets or wire issues), please contact reception immediately. Do not wait until your next appointment.
  • Good oral hygiene is essential. Poor hygiene can damage your teeth and gums. Ask us for advice if you’re unsure.
  • Discoloured clear elastic rings (from foods like tomato-based sauces or curries) can be changed by an Orthodontic Therapist—please contact reception.

Oral Hygiene Guidelines:

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste after every meal (ideally 3–4 times daily).
  • If brushing isn’t possible (e.g. at work), rinse your mouth and brush thoroughly when you get home.
  • Use interdental brushes daily.
  • A fluoride mouth rinse is recommended—ask us for more details.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Chewy or hard sweets, toffee, chewing gum
  • Fizzy and energy drinks (e.g. Coke, Monster)
  • Hard foods such as apples, carrots, crusty bread, and pizza crusts – cut or grate these and avoid biting with front teeth.

Appointments:

  • Attend all appointments on time. Late arrivals may need to rebook.
  • Failure to attend, poor oral hygiene, or repeated breakages may result in additional charges.
  • Hard foods such as apples, carrots, crusty bread, and pizza crusts – cut or grate these and avoid biting with front teeth.

Sports:

  • Wear a mouth guard during all sports, especially contact sports.
  • Custom-made mouth guards are available—speak to reception for details.

Removable Retainer Instructions

  • Bring your retainers to every check-up so we can check the fit.
  • Wear every night for the first year, then reduce to 2–3 nights a week.
  • If your retainer feels tight, increase the number of nights worn.
  • Some initial discomfort or speech changes are normal and will improve with regular wear.

Cleaning & Storage:

  • Clean each morning with a toothbrush, cool water, and gentle liquid hand soap.
  • Once a week, use Fresh & Go tablets in cold water for deep cleaning (available from reception).
  • Store in a safe container when not in use.

If You Can’t Wear It:

  • Contact the practice immediately—don’t wait for your next appointment.

Replacement:

  • Lost or broken retainers m ust be replaced privately.
  • Current cost: £125 each (subject to change).

Ongoing Care:

  • Continue seeing your general dentist regularly.
  • Long-term (lifelong) retention is important to prevent tooth movement.
  • We recommend a retainer check every 12–18 months.

This is a custom-made medical device for your exclusive use, conforming to Annex 1 of the Medical Devices Regulations. This does not apply to repaired or refurbished devices.

Twin Block Functional Appliance Instructions

What is a Twin Block? 

A Twin Block is a removable appliance used to reposition the jaws using growth and muscle pressure.

With consistent wear, it can move a weak lower jaw forward by up to 10mm in 9–12 months, often preventing extractions or surgery.

Wearing Instructions

  • Wear for a minimum of 20 hours per day (unless instructed otherwise).
  • Remove only for:
    • Eating
    • Brushing
    • Playing sport
  • Not wearing it enough will delay your treatment and reverse progress.

Appliance Expansion:

  • A small key will be provided to expand the appliance weekly (or as instructed).
  • Only turn the screw as advised by your orthodontist.

Cleaning:

  • Brush your teeth after meals before reinserting the appliance.
  • Clean the appliance with a toothbrush and cold water morning and night.
  • Do not use hot water or toothpaste—this will damage it.
  • Use Fresh & Go tablets once or twice a week for deep cleaning (available from reception).

Speech & Comfort:

  • Temporary discomfort and changes in speech are normal.
  • Practise speaking with the appliance to adapt more quickly.
  • Increased saliva or sore cheeks are also normal and will subside.

Breakage or Loss:

  • Minor breakages can often be repaired.
  • Major breakages or lost appliances will need to be replaced.
  • Replacement fee: £300 (£150 per arch) as of April 2025 (subject to change).
  • If there’s an issue, contact us immediately—do not wait for your next appointment.

Dental Check-ups:

  • Continue visiting your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment.

This is a custom-made medical device made to your specific prescription and compliant with Annex 1 of the Medical Devices Regulations. This does not apply to refurbished or repaired devices.

Instructional Video

Please watch our YouTube video, featuring Dr. Williams, one of our specialist orthodontists. He explains what a Twin Block appliance is, how it works, and how to care for it properly.

End of Inclusive Retainer Care

As of today, you have reached the end of your 12-month inclusive retainer care following the removal of your braces. This is standard for all private orthodontic patients.

Retainer Wear Instructions

  • From now on, please wear your nighttime retainers at least 3 nights per week.
  • If your retainers feel tight, increase the number of nights worn to maintain alignment.
  • Consistent retainer wear is essential to keep your teeth straight—this may be a lifelong commitment.
  • Failure to wear your retainers regularly can lead to relapse (tooth movement).

Ongoing Retainer Care

  • We recommend a retainer check every 12–18 months, which will be charged at the standard private fee.
  • Continue seeing your general dentist regularly for routine dental check-ups.

Retainer Maintenance

  • Retainers may require replacement over time due to general wear and tear.
  • If you have a bonded (fixed) retainer, ongoing maintenance is also important—please monitor for any signs of detachment or damage.
  • Check your removable retainers regularly for:
    • Holes
    • Cracks
    • Vertical splits
      These can reduce the effectiveness of the retainer.

Replacement Fees

  • Removable retainer replacement: £125 each (subject to change).

For questions or to book a retainer check, please contact the practice at: 📞 01473 255399

Thank you for trusting us with your orthodontic care.

Removable Orthodontic Appliances Care Instructions

General Instructions for Removable Orthodontic Appliances
  • Wear time: The appliance must be worn for at least 20 hours daily (unless otherwise instructed), removing only for eating, cleaning your teeth and appliance, and active sports (e.g., swimming, rugby, netball).
  • Initial discomfort: Some discomfort and speech difficulties are normal at first and should improve within a few days.
  • Oral hygiene: Brush your teeth after every meal before replacing the appliance.
  • Cleaning your appliance: Clean your appliance every morning and before bed with cold water, gentle liquid hand soap, and a toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste or hot water.
  • Sterilisation: Use ‘Fresh & Go’ tablets at least once a week to sterilise your appliance and brace box. These can be purchased from Reception.
  • If you cannot wear the appliance: Contact the surgery immediately—do not wait until your next appointment.
  • Lost or broken appliances: Replacement costs apply as per NHS regulations, regardless of any NHS exemption status.
  • Dentist visits: Continue to see your own dentist every six months during your orthodontic treatment.
  • Attendance: Regular, punctual attendance is vital. Late arrivals may need to reschedule.
  • Compliance: Poor compliance, missed appointments, and poor oral hygiene may result in treatment discontinuation.
This appliance is a custom-made medical device designed exclusively for you, conforming to the Medical Devices Regulations. It does not apply to repaired or refurbished devices.

Activator Appliance Care and Advice

  • Purpose: Designed to reposition the upper and lower jaws by utilizing natural growth and muscle pressure. Treatment can bring a weak lower jaw forward by up to 10mm in about 9 months, potentially avoiding extractions or surgery.
  • Wear time: Minimum 14 hours daily unless otherwise instructed. Remove for eating, drinking, sports, and brushing.
  • Storage: Use a provided box when not worn to prevent loss or damage (available at Reception).
  • Cleaning: Brush teeth before wearing. Clean the appliance with a toothbrush and cold water. Use Retainer Brite once or twice weekly (available at Reception). Avoid warm or hot water.
  • Speech: Initial discomfort, cheek soreness, and altered speech are normal and temporary. Practice speaking with the appliance.
  • Breakage or loss: Small repairs possible; major damage or loss requires replacement at patient expense. Contact the practice immediately if issues arise.
  • Dental check-ups: Continue regular visits to your dentist.

Bonded Retainer Care and Advice

  • What is it? A fine wire fixed behind your front teeth (upper, lower, or both) to maintain alignment in addition to removable nighttime retainers.
  • Duration: Typically left indefinitely to maintain straight teeth; removal causes teeth to move.
  • Maintenance: Check and maintain every 12-18 months.
  • Cleaning: Brush as normal and use ‘Super Floss,’ interdental brushes, or Waterpik daily. Attend routine dental check-ups and hygiene visits.
  • If loose: Wire glue can wear away. You may feel roughness or notice tooth movement. Contact us immediately and wear your removable retainer full-time until fixed.
  • Costs: Repairs start at £60; replacements start at £250.
  • Risks: Failure to maintain or report issues can lead to tooth movement and gum problems. Proper oral hygiene and dental visits are essential.
  • Contact: Reach out promptly with any concerns.

Trans Palatal Arch (TPA) Care Instructions

  • Purpose: Maintains upper arch shape during growth, preserves space for adult teeth, and supports impacted teeth alignment.
  • Adjustment period: Speech changes and extra saliva production are normal initially. Reading aloud for 5-10 minutes daily can help.
  • Eating: Cut food into small pieces; avoid chewy foods like gum, toffees, and sweets.
  • Cleaning: Brush appliance, gums, and teeth thoroughly twice daily. Use disclosing tablets weekly for the first month to identify missed spots.
  • Mouth care: Rinse after meals at school.
  • Irritation: Cheek soreness may occur. Use warm salt-water rinses and orthodontic wax on irritating parts. Change wax daily.
  • Dental visits: Continue regular check-ups.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME)

  • Purpose: Widens the upper jaw using a fixed appliance with an expansion screw.
  • Operation: Turn the screw as instructed (usually twice daily) using a provided key.
  • Duration: Active phase usually lasts 7 days.
  • Eating: Normal diet except avoid hard/sticky foods.
  • Cleaning: Brush after meals and rinse thoroughly.
  • Discomfort: Pressure and speech changes are normal initially.
  • Issues: Contact us immediately if appliance rubs, becomes loose, or teeth over-expand.
  • Dental care: Continue regular dentist visits.

Quad Helix Instructions

  • Purpose: Fixed upper appliance with springs that widen the upper jaw, used for narrow arches, crossbites, or crowding.
  • Cleaning: Avoid hard and sticky foods. Brush the roof of your mouth after meals and rinse.
  • Discomfort: Tongue soreness and speech changes initially, which improve over time.
  • Issues: Contact us if appliance rubs, loosens, or teeth move abnormally.
  • Dental care: Maintain regular dental appointments.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appliance, please contact the practice promptly.

Get in touch to find out how we can help you and we will do our very best to see you at your earliest convenience.

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