Page 125 - REMOVABLE ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

Appendix 2

Instructions for wearing your removable

appliance

About your brace Special cleaners like 'Retainer-brite' are
available and effective at cleaning deposits that
Your removable appliance (brace) consists of are difficult to remove with a toothbrush.
an acrylic plate, which covers the roof of your Do not put the brace into very hot water or
mouth, incorporating wires and springs, to bleach.
move the teeth.
Contact-sports and wind instrument
Initial difficulties playing
If the retainer has to be removed for such activ-
The orthodontist will show you how to put the ities it must be put into a small rigid plastic
appliance in and take it out. Practise this before container. If you put it in your pocket the
you leave the surgery. At first it will feel very springs can easily be damaged or bent.
big. You may make extra saliva, find it difficult Replace it in your mouth as soon as you have
to swallow and talk. Provided you persevere, finished sport or music practice. Braces are
these problems will soon improve.
often broken or lost while they are out of the
mouth.
Hours of wear
End of treatment
You must wear your brace all the time - except
for the following reasons: Once your teeth are in the correct position it
may not be necessary to wear the brace full
time. Wait until your orthodontist tells you that
Cleaning you have reached this stage.
Your appliance should be removed after meals
for cleaning. It can be cleaned using your tooth-
brush and toothpaste after you have cleaned Eating
your teeth. Alternatively you can use a nail
brush with warm soapy water. Pay particular The appliance must be worn for meals. This will
attention to the fitting surface. If you are out be difficult initially but you will quickly adapt
and do not have a toothbrush available wash to it. Please do not chew gum or eat sticky
the brace under a cold water tap and rinse your things (like toffee) because these can damage
mouth out. the appliance.