Care of Appliances

To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.

Brushing

It's more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.

Retainer Instructions

• Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise.
  
  
• Take your retainers out when eating... and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
  
  
• Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing.
  
  
• When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
  
  
• Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to them faster.
  
  
• Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
  
  
• If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or your retainers need adjusting, call us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
  
  
• Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
  
  
• Retainer replacement is expensive... with proper care they will last for years!
  
  
• Remove retainers when swimming.
  
  
• Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.