Orthodontics - COVID-19 update
If you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and need urgent orthodontic treatment you should call 111. The NHS team can then assess if you need to be seen in a designated receiving unit for COVID-19 urgent dental care.
Orthodontic appointments
Our Orthodontic Clinics are now open but we are very mindful of footfall in our department and waiting area, and social distancing.
There are longer intervals between appointments, and follow-up appointment letters are now sent out after your visit, to minimise footfall in our reception area.
Appointment procedure letter - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Outpatients (pdf, 203 KB)
Health screening questionnaire (Word, 22 KB)
Leaflet: Going to the orthodontist during COVID-19 pandemic (pdf, 205 KB)
FAQ for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment during COVID-19 pandemic - bos.org.uk
Braces
If you have any concerns about your brace, please contact us.
Looking after your brace
Keeping your brace clean
- Brush your teeth every morning, night and every time you eat.
- Remember to use small brushes to get in around your brace.
- Use an adult fluoride toothpaste: after brushing spit, but do not rinse with water.
- You can also use a fluoride mouthwash at a different time to brushing.
- If you have a removable brace, please remember to take it out to clean it.
Diet advice
- Reduce the frequency of sugary foods.
- Avoid fizzy drinks (even diet varieties) and natural fruit juices as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic.
- Water is the best drink for your teeth.
- Healthy foods to eat between meals includes wholemeal bread, plain cheese, dry crackers, breadsticks, fruit and vegetables.
Being careful not to break your brace
- Avoid crunchy, hard or sticky foods - these may break your brace.
- Some foods like apples may need to be cut up into smaller pieces.
- Avoid chewing pen lids and biting your nails.
- Try not to fiddle with your brace.
- Do not try to fix your brace yourself if a bit comes loose - please contact the department for an appointment.
Possible problems with your brace
Visit the British Orthodontic Society website for information and videos to help you look after your brace and manage any brace problems, including a fact sheet about managing orthodontic emergencies.
British Orthodontic Society patients' advice
Contact your orthodontic provider before you attempt to fix any problems yourself, as there is a risk you might damage your brace.
See Frequently Asked Questions for answers to some common queries.
How will the current situation affect my treatment?
We can only see people who need emergency treatment. We will discuss with you whether you need to come in.
Please do not come unless you have been told it is absolutely necessary.
It is important you look after your brace until we can see you again. This will make sure you get the best possible outcome from your treatment.
It is possible that your treatment will take longer. Your health and wellbeing are our priority, and please be assured we will see you as soon as we can.
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) provides useful and up-to-date advice
Follow the British Orthodontic Society on Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Something on my brace is loose
If part of your brace has snapped or become loose, you only need to contact us if it is painful or there is a danger of you inhaling it. If it is not causing you any pain, we can fix your brace next time we see you.
My brace is rubbing
Please email us and we can post you out some wax to put on the bit that is rubbing you.
I have run out of elastics
Please email us and we can post you out some more elastics.
Contact us
Find us and contact us