This probably won't apply to most of you, but I know loads of people who have, are getting or have already had braces. This blog will just give a few hints/tips and tricks to help make them bearable!!
Preparation!
1. Keep your teeth as clean as possible on the build up towards having your braces fixed, this will help them to not stain when you get them on!
2. Before you go to get your braces fixed, take some paracetamol or ibuprofen 30 minutes before you go in!
3. Have a think about the colours you'd like as your first set. If you're anxious about how they look, try lighter colours like baby pink, light blue, aqua and pale yellow. If you're more daring the darker colours will get them noticed! Remember you can choose more than 1 colour so think about alternate colours that work well together (anything and silver goes well!)
4. Once the braces are on, they'll ask if you want to swill some water- do it! The taste of the glue isn't very lovely so it's nice to get it out! Take a bottle of water, just in case they forget!
After..
Your teeth might ache a bit after having the braces fitted, so treat yourself to some soft sweets and a magazine to keep you busy! The aching is only your teeth getting used to having metal attached to them!
Keep the wax they give you!!!!!!!!!
This wax will be your best friend for the next week and the metal can cause rubbing in your mouth, I lost my wax after a few days and wished I'd kept it safe, you can just take a small bit, roll it with your fingers and place it over the bracket that is causing the rubbing.
All change!
This is the best bit, you can try out some different colours!
When you get your wires changed, it can feel a bit odd if you don't know what they're doing so here's the down low!
1. They'll twist the elastic bands off and this is very quick! Your orthodontist and assistant will keep swapping tools so it happens very fast!
2. Then they take the old wire out and put a thicker wire in, this increases tension so that your teeth can move more!
3. Then they ask what colour you've chosen and will put the bands on!
4. If they offer to swill- take it! It's worth it..
During..
You'll get used to your braces really quickly, but if they do start to ache, just take some paracetamol / ibuprofen and they should feel fine, also keep the wax just in case =)
You can get some 'interdental' brushes that make it really easy to clean between the brackets and mouthwash will also help to get rid of any bacteria that sit on the bracket!
You'll be so pleased when you've finished your time with braces, so keep up the cleaning and don't forget to be careful with hard foods!
Good luck xx
Thursday 11 August 2011
Thursday 4 August 2011
Sleep Techniques - the low down on getting some Zzz's
Can't sleep? Never fear, Ive devised a few techniques and rules for optimising sleep!
1. Bedtime Routine- Come up with your own 'Bedtime Routine' this helps the brain to recognise when it's time to settle down and prepare for sleep. Your routine can include having a bath 30 mins before bed, reading a book, listening to a certain song etc, it all helps your mind to start the process of relaxation and sleep.
2. Environment - Ensuring that your environment is at it's best for sleep is crucial for a restful night. Make sure that your window is slightly open to improve air flow but be aware of the temperature of your room too, not too hot or cold. Having the main light off is best, but if some light is preferred, try using a dimmed or 'golden toned' light so it isn't too harsh.
3. Mind - Stress, overthinking and analysing happens mostly at night as your brain is not being stimulated or distracted by anything else, this can make it difficult, even impossible to get properly relaxed before sleep. To improve relaxation, keep a notebook or notepad by your bedside with a pen nearby to jot down anything that might be interrupting sleep.
4. Body - If you are hungry or thirsty, hot or cold, your body is not able to fully release into sleep. Have a drink of sugar-free squash, or water by your bed, and if you are finding it difficult to sleep, a warm drink such as hot chocolate, warm milk or squash or decaff tea will actually improve your bodies ability to become tired. Food can affect sleep, so things with high sugar quantities and starchy fatty carbs are things to avoid as they release energy, wheras 'lighter' foods such as
* Dried or fresh fruit
* Yoghurts
* Cheese
* Soup etc,
help to settle 'hungry feelings, and so, help the body to relax
5. Stimulation- stimulation before bed is devastating when it comes to sleep. The mind needs to wind down before bed so that you can drift off into sleep. Try to avoid watching TV, playing games or using your mobile as this stimulate brain activity and this makes it very difficult to sleep.
Hope this helps! I will be adding more in the next few days, but it’s time for me to hit the sheets myself! Night night x
1. Bedtime Routine- Come up with your own 'Bedtime Routine' this helps the brain to recognise when it's time to settle down and prepare for sleep. Your routine can include having a bath 30 mins before bed, reading a book, listening to a certain song etc, it all helps your mind to start the process of relaxation and sleep.
2. Environment - Ensuring that your environment is at it's best for sleep is crucial for a restful night. Make sure that your window is slightly open to improve air flow but be aware of the temperature of your room too, not too hot or cold. Having the main light off is best, but if some light is preferred, try using a dimmed or 'golden toned' light so it isn't too harsh.
3. Mind - Stress, overthinking and analysing happens mostly at night as your brain is not being stimulated or distracted by anything else, this can make it difficult, even impossible to get properly relaxed before sleep. To improve relaxation, keep a notebook or notepad by your bedside with a pen nearby to jot down anything that might be interrupting sleep.
4. Body - If you are hungry or thirsty, hot or cold, your body is not able to fully release into sleep. Have a drink of sugar-free squash, or water by your bed, and if you are finding it difficult to sleep, a warm drink such as hot chocolate, warm milk or squash or decaff tea will actually improve your bodies ability to become tired. Food can affect sleep, so things with high sugar quantities and starchy fatty carbs are things to avoid as they release energy, wheras 'lighter' foods such as
* Dried or fresh fruit
* Yoghurts
* Cheese
* Soup etc,
help to settle 'hungry feelings, and so, help the body to relax
5. Stimulation- stimulation before bed is devastating when it comes to sleep. The mind needs to wind down before bed so that you can drift off into sleep. Try to avoid watching TV, playing games or using your mobile as this stimulate brain activity and this makes it very difficult to sleep.
Hope this helps! I will be adding more in the next few days, but it’s time for me to hit the sheets myself! Night night x
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