11 Plus Exams Forum

Hello,

Just wondering if anybody who has had experience with twin block braces can offer any advise please. I wanted to post in the 'Everything Else' section, but when I'm logged in this disappears for some reason!

My daughter had twin blocks fitted nearly 4 weeks ago and is coping very well with them. I'm getting a bit confused as to how often she should clean them though, and if our method is okay? We were told to use liquid soap and water to clean them with, but she didn't fancy the idea of using soap, so has been using a gel toothpaste as I have read they are non-abrasive. She then brushes her teeth and rinses with mouthwash before she puts her braces back in. She does this after breakfast and before bed.

She eats most meals/foods with her braces in, though sometimes takes them out if she's struggling with an item of food. Generally speaking she is managing pretty well eating with them in. After eating she just takes them out and rinses them with water and replaces them, no teeth or brace brushing and no mouth wash. Obviously when we are out this is the only option, but when we are home should she be cleaning her teeth and braces properly? Is the toothpaste okay to use instead of soap, and should we be soaking them in any solutions or anything?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

I've moved it for you Chococat

Were you not given a care sheet by the orthodontist? Give them a call and get advice direct.

You can get specific cleaners - would have thought orthodontist would sell them.

You also need to be careful which mouthwashes you use and how often.

Toothpastes the same with regard to use on the brace.

Given this is a 'medical' issue I don't want to list specifics we were told as it might not be the same for you.

Just give the orthodontist a call - reception/ nurse will be able to help and if you can't do that then call your own dentist.

Remember 2 of mine going through it - not great times DC sounds like they are coping well.

We got given cleaning tablets. Something brite? Not at home so can't check ATM.

Dentist told DD to take hers out to eat.

You need to ask your dentist whether this is the case for you though as in some cases you need to keep it in.

Called Retainer Brite and you can it online as well ( that major shopping company!)
Universally used but would call orthodontist if they didn't mention it because you can be liable for cost if braces damaged through miss use/ lack of care so better to get a nod from them that its ok.

Some braces use the chewing motion to do their job better which is why even some removeables have to be kept in to eat ( poor children).

DD uses liquid soap for her retainers. Works well and as long as they're properly rinsed the soap isn't a problem. Dentist recommended the soap, my theory is because it's soap they rinse really well instead of just a quick rinse, these dentist's aren't daft

Hi yes a bit of washing up liquid /soap will be fine along with a good physical scrub with a brush to remove any food debris and rinse well in cold water. My DD has been through twin blocks and to start with did take it out to eat some stuff.

It is better to eat with it in as it is the effect the blocks have on the jaw muscles when they are working that causes the tooth movement. The more they are worn the quicker the movement and the sooner they are on to the next phase of treatment.
It is amazing how kids get used to these things