Orthodontic treatment helps fix problems with the alignment of your teeth and jaw so you can bite, chew, and smile comfortably. When teeth are crowded or spaced out, or the bite is not correct, it can cause issues like difficulty eating, unclear speech, jaw discomfort, and low confidence in your smile. Orthodontic treatment gently moves the teeth into the right position, improving how your teeth look and how your mouth functions. This leads to better oral health and a more confident, comfortable smile.

The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment

Many people choose orthodontic treatment for more than just improving their appearance. When teeth are not aligned properly, it becomes harder to clean them well, which can increase the risk of plaque build-up, gum problems, and tooth decay.

Jaw misalignment can also lead to symptoms such as headaches, facial strain, and discomfort over time.

• Orthodontic care supports patients of every age, from children to adults.
• Children experience better jaw growth and guided tooth development.
• Adults can finally fix long-standing alignment issues that may have bothered them for years.

Whether someone wants better comfort, improved function, or more confidence, orthodontic treatment is an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.

Braces Care Instructions

Taking care of your braces is important for keeping your treatment on track and avoiding unnecessary discomfort. Simple daily habits can protect your teeth, prevent damage, and help your braces work the way they should.

What to Eat & Avoid

Your food choices can affect your braces. Some items can bend the wires or break the brackets, which slows down your progress.

You can eat safely:

• Soft foods like rice, pasta, cooked vegetables, and soft breads
• Cooked vegetables
• Soft fruits like bananas, mangoes, and berries
• Dairy products and smoothies

Avoid:

• Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, raw carrots)
• Sticky foods (chewing gum, caramel)
• Biting directly into hard fruits, cut them into pieces.
• Crunchy snacks that can bend wires

Managing Discomfort

It’s normal to feel mild soreness when braces are first applied or adjusted.

• Rinsing with warm salt water can soothe gums.
• Orthodontic wax can be placed on areas that rub against the cheeks.
• Soft foods are helpful on sensitive days.
• If needed, mild pain relief recommended by your dentist can be taken.

Oral Hygiene Tips

Keeping your teeth clean with braces is very important to prevent staining and cavities.

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
• Pay extra attention around brackets and wires.
• Use an interdental brush to clean small spaces.
• Floss daily or use a water flosser for ease.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.

General Care Tips

• Avoid playing with wires or brackets using your fingers or tongue.
• Wear rubber bands (if prescribed) as instructed.
• Attend all your orthodontic appointments regularly.
• If a wire pokes or a bracket comes loose, contact your clinic for a quick fix.

Retainer Care Guide

Proper care of your retainer is just as important as wearing braces. It helps keep your teeth in their new position and prevents them from shifting.

1. Wearing and Storing Your Retainer

• Follow your orthodontist’s instructions: Wear your retainer exactly as advised. Most patients begin with full-time wear and gradually switch to nightly use.
• Store it safely: When not in your mouth, always keep your retainer in its protective case. Avoid wrapping it in tissues or napkins, as it can be accidentally thrown away.
• Keep it away from pets: Dogs and other pets are often attracted to the retainer and may chew it.
• Avoid Heat: Do not put your retainer in hot water, microwaves, dishwashers, or leave it in a hot car. Heat can change its shape and make it not fit your teeth properly.

2. Cleaning Your Retainer

• Daily cleaning: Gently brush removable retainers with a soft toothbrush and cool or lukewarm water.
• Use mild soap: Soap is safe, but avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the retainer.
• Fixed retainers: Brush carefully around the wire and floss properly to keep it clean.
• Occasional soaking: If recommended by your orthodontist, you may soak the retainer in a cleaning solution occasionally. Follow the instructions carefully, and always rinse it before placing it back in your mouth.

Proper retainer care helps maintain your orthodontic results and keeps your smile aligned and stable.

Orthodontic Treatment at Al Salam Health

Our orthodontic specialists provide treatments to correct bite problems, align teeth, and improve oral health. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their dental needs. Orthodontic care helps with chewing, speaking, and long-term dental health while improving the appearance of the smile.

Treatment Options

• Metal Braces – Traditional braces made of metal brackets and wires; can be used for children and adults; correct crowded, spaced, or crooked teeth.
• Ceramic Braces – Tooth-colored braces that match your teeth; less noticeable than metal braces; correct crooked or misaligned teeth.
• Self-Ligating Braces – Braces that use a small clip instead of elastic bands; may feel more comfortable and reduce the number of adjustment visits.
• Damon Braces – A modern type of self-ligating braces designed to move teeth gently and steadily.
• Clear Aligners / Invisalign – Removable, transparent trays that gradually shift teeth; suitable for mild to moderate misalignment.
• Functional Appliances – Devices mainly used in children to guide jaw growth and fix bite problems.
• Essix Retainers – Removable retainers to keep teeth in position after braces.
• Fixed Retention – A permanent wire behind the teeth to prevent them from moving back.
• Face Mask Therapy – Helps correct jaw alignment in growing children.
• Maxillary Expansion – Widens the upper jaw to create space for teeth and improve bite.

Supporting Proper Teeth Alignment

Maintaining healthy braces and following your orthodontist’s instructions supports your treatment to progress correctly. Taking care of braces, retainers, and any other orthodontic devices is needed to maintain proper alignment and dental function.

For appointments or inquiries, call +971 3 764 6510 or email newalsalam@alsalamhealth.ae.