These are general guidelines for patients being treated with removable orthodontic appliances.
If you have any queries please ask, we are here to help you.
- Removable appliances may be used by themselves, or in conjunction with other appliances (such as those fixed to the teeth) to assist with the progress of treatment.
- You should normally wear your appliance full time (day and night) unless you are given specific instructions to the contrary.
- You may find it difficult to speak clearly when you first start wearing your appliance. This is quite normal and you will find that you gradually become used to talking with your appliance in place.
- It is best to become accustomed to eating with your appliance in position. Wearing your removable appliance during mealtimes is particularly important when you have a fixed appliance on your lower teeth. The removable appliance will prevent the fixed appliance from being damaged when you bite.
- Do not eat sticky sweets such as toffees and chewing gum. These will damage the appliance.
- It is important to keep both the appliance and your teeth thoroughly clean. The appliance itself does not damage the teeth, but if plaque and food debris is allowed to collect around it, decay may start. Too much sugar (especially in fizzy drinks) is likely to make this worse, therefore sugary foods and snacks should be avoided as much as possible.
- The appliance should always be taken out for cleaning. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste but be careful not to bend any of the wires.
- It is also advisable to remove your appliance for any sports or games (including swimming) where it may become dislodged accidentally. Put it somewhere safe (a rigid brace box is best).
- Always insert and remove your appliance using your fingers. Never bite it into place as this is likely to break it. When it is in position, leave it there and do not be tempted to ‘play’ with it with your tongue, as this may also damage your appliance.
- If you break your appliance please telephone us during normal working hours so that arrangements can be made to repair it. Appliances are repaired at a technical laboratory and this may take a little time. Patients must attend in person so that the fit of the appliance can be checked before and after the repair.