You should wear the appliance full-time – 24hours a day; this includes eating and sleeping
Eating with the appliance in requires practice, but it will get easier over time
Please do not click the appliance in and out with your tongue as this will loosen the appliance. If it becomes loose that it is falling out, please call the practice to book an appointment to get it tightened
When can I remove the appliance?
To clean the appliance – You should take the appliance out when you’re are brushing your teeth, morning, night and after eating.
Use cool soapy water to clean the appliance
For contact sports – 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 with a soft headed tooth brush, in circular motions and use fluoride toothpaste
When eating with the appliance in, please cut food into small pieces, it will be easier to eat. Avoid hard or sticky foods as this may damage your brace (such as toffee sweets, nuts, crusty bread etc.)
Clean the appliance after eating to remove food debris
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 or loose or 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 out aloud at home on your own and 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 appliance?
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 model that were provided at the fit appointment safe as we may require them if it has to be repaired.
Use a box to keep it safe when out of the mouth
Avoid placing into 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
