A removable appliance is carefully designed to move or hold your teeth. It is important that it is worn according to the instructions and brought to each appointment. Wear your appliance at all times, even while you are asleep. It may be removed while swimming or playing vigorous sports activities. In two to three days your speech will return to normal with the appliance in place. Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or break your appliance.
Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums call our office so that we can arrange to adjust the appliance. Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may accidently throw it away. Don't put it in your pocket when playing because you may break or lose it. Whenever it is not in your mouth it should be in its plastic case.
Keep your appliance away from dogs or cats, as they love to chew on them. Avoid storing them near any source of heat. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it! If needed, bring it to the office and we will be happy to disinfect it for you. Do not soak your retainer in mouthwash. An additional charge will be incurred for lost or broken appliances. Please bring your retainers to all appointments.
Speech may be temporarily affected, but after a few days it becomes normal.
Keep things clean! Brush your expander with a toothbrush using toothpaste or water.
