Twin-block appliances are removable braces designed to posture your lower jaw forward and encourage a more favourable jaw and tooth position
For successful treatment it is important to follow the instructions provided, on average treatment lasts 6-9months
How often should I wear my twin-block?
You should wear the appliance full-time – 24 hours a day; this includes eating and sleeping.
Eating with the appliance in requires practice, if you are struggling to do so, take the appliance out for your meals but please ensure you put it into a box to keep it safe then re-insert the appliance straightaway after eating.
When can I remove the appliance?
To clean the appliance – You should take the appliance out when your are brushing your teeth, morning and night – use cool soapy water or toothpaste to clean the appliance itself
For contact sports – remove to insert a sports mouth-guard, or for other sports such as swimming or mountain biking, please ensure you put the appliance into a box to keep it safe while it is out of your mouth.
Tooth-brushing and diet advice
You should brush your teeth more often now; this includes morning, night and every-time you have something to eat
If eating with the appliance in please avoid hard or sticky foods (such as toffee sweets, nuts, crusty bread) as this may damage your brace
Use fluoride mouthwash, once a day, at a different time from brushing
You must not drink fizzy drinks (including diet/zero), sugary, sports drinks or large amounts or fruit juice during treatment. These are very acidic and will damage your teeth
Will treatment be painful?
It is likely you will experience discomfort for 3-5 days after the appliance has been fitted or adjusted.
You may feel aches and tenderness in the muscles on your cheeks, face and neck
If the appliance becomes loose or if is rubbing, irritating or causing ulcers on your gums please contact the practice for advice.
Speech and saliva
Your speech may be affected initially.
Practice speaking with the brace in place e.g. read/singing out aloud at home on your own – your speech will return to normal within a couple of days.
You may produce more saliva and you may find yourself swallowing a lot to begin with. This is quite normal and will quickly pass.
What should I do if I lose or break my twin-block?
Contact the practice immediately if it is lost or broken in 02887784827 for advice
Please keep the appliance safe as there is a charge to replace it if its lost
Keep the models that were provided at the fit appointment safe as we may require them if the appliance has to be repaired.
Use a box to keep it safe when out of the mouth
Avoid wrapping it in a tissue as this is common reason they are lost or thrown into the bin.
Other information
Please attend your general dentist for your regular check-ups during orthodontic treatment
Call the practice on 02887784827 if at any time you are unsure of wear and care instructions
