REMOVABLE APPLIANCES
What is a removable appliance?
A removable appliance is an orthodontic appliance, usually made of acrylic and stainless steel, which works in a limited way to improve the position of certain teeth which have not developed in the right position.
How much do I need to wear my removable appliance?
Your removable appliance needs to be worn as much as possible for your treatment to work. It should be worn every day, except when brushing your teeth, playing sports and playing certain musical instruments. It will be explained to you whether you need to eat with it in.
Will it be painful?
It is likely to be uncomfortable for 3-5 days when initially fitted and each time your appliance is adjusted. If necessary, painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache can be taken (please read the instructions on the packet). If there is an obvious area of discomfort as a result of your appliance, please call our practice for an appointment as soon as reasonably possible. If possible, try not to stop wearing the appliance (unless it is causing a lot of discomfort).
How else might my removable appliance affect me?
Your speech will initially be different as your tongue needs to adapt. It is a useful exercise to practice speaking with your appliance in place e.g. read out aloud at home, and in this way your speech will return back to normal more quickly, usually within a week. You will also find yourself swallowing a lot to begin with. This is normal and will also quickly pass as you get used to your appliance.
Can I eat normally?
You will be advised whether you need to eat with it in. If you have been told to take it out for eating, please place it in a tough plastic box for safekeeping. This will help prevent your appliance from being lost or broken when not in your mouth.
For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important that you take care of your teeth and your appliances. Please avoid: hard, sticking and sweet foods e.g. nuts, toffees, boiled sweets, chocolate bars, sugary chewing gum etc. Also avoid fizzy drinks (including energy and diet drinks) and excessive amounts of fruit juice. Try to drink more water and if drinking squash, choose a sugar free variety and drink through a straw to prevent the drink coating your teeth.
What about toothbrushing?
You will need to remove your removable appliance in order to brush you teeth well. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Also rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after you have had your evening meal (i.e. at a different time to brushing). Please carry a brush with you in order to brush your teeth after lunch. You will also need to gently brush your appliance, including the metal parts of your appliance, but try not to damage the wires. Use cold or warm water instead of hot water (which will distort the plastic) and avoid toothpaste to clean your appliance as it is abrasive and will scratch your appliance. Soak your appliance in ‘Retainer Brite’ everyday to help keep it clean (please follow the instructions on the box).
How long will it take for my removable appliance to work?
This can vary amongst individuals and according to the severity of your case. It usually however take approximately 6-12 months. Some patients who wear their removable appliance well notice a dramatic improvement in the position of their teeth in much less time than this. You will need regular appointments to check your progress and to adjust your appliance. Please note that repeated breakages and missed appointments will increase your overall treatment time.
At the end of this phase of treatment, you may need to wear your appliance just at night time as a retainer to ensure that your teeth do not move back (relapse).
Do I still need to see my regular dentist?
Yes. It is important that you still have check-ups with your regular dentist so that your teeth can be checked for decay.
What do I do if I play contact sport?
You should remove your removable appliance and wear a gumshield instead. Besides contact sport, you ideally should protect your teeth when riding a bicycle, roller-skating, ice-skating or skateboarding. Please carry your protective box with you so that you can place your appliance in the box when not in your mouth.
What should I do if my removable appliance breaks?
Please ring for an appointment as soon as reasonably possible. Do not wait until your next routine appointment. Some ways to avoid breaking your appliance include: not clicking your appliance in and out with your tongue, fiddling with your appliance, using your teeth to bite the appliance into place (always use your fingers), biting your nails or hard objects e.g. pens, and avoiding eating certain foods as mentioned before. If your appliance does break please keep all the broken pieces and we will endeavour to have your appliance repaired. Unfortunately, if it is beyond repair you will need to pay for a replacement appliance.
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