Orthodontic Appliances

Wearing of the appliance:

If your doctor instructs you to wear the appliance(s) at all times, i.e., 24 hours a day even when eating, be sure to clean and brush the appliance gently after every meal.  If you have to remove your appliance(s) for any reason, be sure to place it in the retainer case that was provided and keep it in a safe place.  Remove our appliance(s) if you are going to be playing any contact sports, swimming in a lake, river and ocean (any place that it cannot be retrieved).   When swimming in a pool it is okay to leave the appliance in.

Cleaning:

If you are wearing your appliance(s) full time, brush your teeth as well at every meal and before you sleep at night.  You may use your toothbrush and toothpaste to carefully scrub the plastic while holding it in the palm of your hand.  Be careful not to bend any wires.  Soak the appliance(s) if you feel it is necessary in any denture cleaner or mouth rinse.

Speaking with your appliance:

Speaking with your appliance(s) in place may seem difficult when your appliance is new.  After some practice, you will soon overcome this and will hardly know the appliance is in place.  Wearing the appliance(s) all of the time will speed up the process.  The increased saliva flow that you initially experience will subside within a couple of days.

Eating with your appliance:

The first few days it may seem difficult to eat with the appliance(s) in place.  The more that you eat with the appliance(s) in, the quicker you will adjust to eating with it.  Sticking to soft foods such as eggs, cereals, soups, pasta, etc. the first few days will help you adjust to eating with them in.  After you feel that you have adjusted to eating with the appliance(s) you can eat whatever you would like, just stay away from any foods that are chewy or sticky, or anything that is hard.

Soreness:

You may experience some soreness during the first few days of wearing a new appliance(s).  This is normal and should go away within the first week.  If you notice a spot that is not feeling better, or you notice a spot that looks irritated, call the office immediately.  You may need an adjustment in that area where the plastic is rubbing against the tissue.

Breakage or lost appliance:

If your appliance breaks or you lose it, call the office immediately.  Do not attempt to fix or wear a broken appliance.  Save all the pieces and bring them with you to your appointment.  It is important that your appliance be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible so that your treatment proceeds smoothly.

Follow-up

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the office.