The Brace BLOG (in association with Etwall Dental Care)

Here is a medley of my own experience (live updates) from my recent FIXED appliance application from a colleague of mine at Etwall Dental Centre

I am a dental therapist and will admit to forgetting what it is like on this side of the dental chair

But here I am sharing my journey with you guys

So…. it started with me perfectly positioning my mouth from certain angles on photos to realise I actually have a little issue with my teeth.

I am a regular content creator for both my own business and other companies, and this now includes video posts – often.

I used to look back and cringe at my videos.

To some it seems like nothing, to us it’s a big part of what can have little negative digs into our self-esteem.

I was lucky enough to meet Kunal and his team as I joined them to help create beautiful smiles and skin and my smile journey began.

It started with a SCAN……

Follow my blog to learn more about the digital SCANNING and treatment planning in the FIRST step of your smile make over at Etwall.

Dec 2020

My fixed appliance was fitted this 3 days before Christmas…….

I was a little apprehensive but if I think about things too much I simply put it off!

We opted for 6 month smiles

To put that in perspective that’s 262800 minutes, but who’s counting!

So I left armed with Orthodontic wax (I’ll get to that) interdental aids and some clear bands on my teeth- pretty much invisible

I mean I knew it was in situ…..but virtually invisible

Discomfort level was pretty low and I took some paracetamol that evening to help a little

I have a tentative experience brushing my teeth that evening but slowly adapted.

The ‘bite block’ kunal created was to ensure I didn’t crunch down onto the brackets, this made eating rather difficult, so I opted for a SOFT diet for a few days.

A good friend and fellow professional enlightened me with an amazing brace friendly recipe site, which in the early days was a god send.

If I told you I didn’t take time to adapt- I would be lying

The phase of discomfort and getting used to the appliance passed quickly but it was all too real.

I am in the industry myself and now and understand the apprehension that may be felt prior to things like this- all I can say is the obligatory – “it’s actually not that bad’

There are foods I am having to avoid but others I have found to enjoy I wouldn’t have tried without!

So the ortho wax- yes I did and do need this at times when I feel the wires irritating my cheek area, so always have it to hand.

My other go to is Dr Heffs xylitol mints in the day.

Their anti demineralisation activity between meals will help keep my enamel healthy under the brackets

Regular brushing with an electric tooth brush and x 2 daily interdental cleaning is keeping my oral health tip top

First band change!

We opted for pink.

My main reason was the staining I had noted on the clear bands and whilst we are on the subject its important to note the lifestyle changes i have made since having my brace.

I have cut down coffee and foods and drinks that naturally stain our teeth, with good reason.

See my future blogs on staining, discolouration and food and drink oral health tips.

I am brushing regularly with a 1450 PPM fluoride toothpaste.

This is essential to make sure my teeth are healthy and strong and remain that way during the duration of my appliance.

I am off to get my first 6 week adjustment next week so will check back then...

Annette x