FAQ Orthodontic treatment

Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. Click on the specific subject to read more.
If you have questions, that are not answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Orthodontic appliances in itself do not cause tooth decay. However, they facilitate the deposition of dental plaques and food particles. Therefore, it is very important that you brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal.

Make sure to check for loose bands and brackets daily, as they increase the risk of caries.

Very swollen gums are the first sign of insufficient oral hygiene. The bacteria in dental plaque may cause gums to get inflamed. If the gums are swollen, they tend to bleed easily and turn dark red. Furthermore, this may lead to receding gums and loss of the underlying bone (“periodontitis”).

If a periodontal problem cannot be controlled, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued.

Root resorption is the shortening of the root of a tooth. It is nearly impossible to predict a patient’s susceptibility to this condition. The risk of root resorption may increase with extended orthodontic treatment. To avoid this your cooperation during treatment is very important.
Allergic reactions in response to the materials used are extremely rare.
But should you experience a reaction, please contact us and we will find an alternative solution for your treatment.

As the braces project from your teeth, your mouth will need a couple of days to get adjusted to the brackets. You may have sore gums and a sore tongue during the first days of treatment, but we’ll provide you with soft wax to put on the pointy edges to relief some of the discomfort. When braces are put in place or tightened, your teeth and gums may be tender for a few days. The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient, but usually doesn’t last more than 24-48 hours.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us, if the discomfort lasts longer than this period.

Try to avoid eating sweets in-between meals and avoid chewing gum containing sugar. Also be careful when you eat hard food (e.g., carrots, apples, hard bread crusts) as the braces can become loose.

Control visits take please every 4 to 6 weeks.

If you experience complications with your braces such as a broken wire, loose brackets or bands, don’t hesitate to call and book an appointment. We’re always ready to help fix your braces.

Sometimes tooth extractions may be necessary. Some patients have large teeth, but small jawbones. Although it is almost always possible to fit all teeth in small jaw bone, sometimes it is more reasonable to sacrifice a tooth or two. This ensures that the remaining teeth are surrounded by a sufficient amount of healthy bone and a strong periodontium, which in turn enables teeth to receive adequate nutrition and remain healthy for the remainder of the patient’s life. If you choose not to get the teeth removed it may result in receding gums, periodontitis and premature loss of teeth later in life. In addition, maintaining too many teeth in small jawbone is less appealing from an optical and aesthetic perspective, as the teeth may protrude making it difficult for the patient to close their lips. We will only recommend removal of teeth if it improves your prospects for a successful treatment.

Regular routine check-ups and professional cleaning must be carried out at your dentist during orthodontic treatment.

Teeth tend to move back to their original position as soon as the braces have been removed. This is called “relapse”. To avoid this, retainers are used to hold teeth in their new position. The type of retainer chosen depends on the necessity of each patient.
Yes, sugar free. Studies show that some soreness during the initial phases of the orthodontic therapy can be reduced by chewing gum. Soreness is caused by a transient ischemia of the tissue. Chewing gum can reduce the ischemia, and thereby reduce the soreness.

Should you experience any acute problems outside of our opening hours, contact one of the following (at your own expense):

Tandlægevagten
Oslo Plads 14, 2100 København Ø

or

Tandlægevagten Nordsjælland
Carlsbergvej 13, 3400 Hillerød

You can contact Tandlægevagten at 70250041.

Further information about Tandlægevagten can be found here.