Removable Appliances
WEARING YOUR BRACE
You must wear your brace full time even when eating and sleeping. It is likely to be uncomfortable for the next 3-5 days. You may need painkillers to alleviate the discomfort. If the brace is causing an ulcer you should phone for an appointment. You should continue to wear the brace so that the area causing the problem can be identified. Your speech will be affected for the first few days. This will improve quite quickly. Reading aloud is a good way to practise.
EATING
You must eat with your brace in your mouth. Cut your food up into small pieces and eat normally. After eating remove your brace and clean your teeth and brace thoroughly and replace your brace immediately.
TOOTHBRUSHING
You should remove your brace and brush your teeth every time you eat. Brush it with a toothbrush and warm water. Brace cleaning tablets, such as Retainer-Brite may be used. Never put your brace in boiling water. A daily fluoride mouthwash should be used last thing at night. Failure to keep your brace and your teeth clean can lead to permanent marking of your teeth.
RECREATION
The brace should be removed for contact sports so that you can insert your mouthguard. If you are not wearing a mouthguard continue to wear your brace.
If you play a musical instrument you may need to remove your brace whilst playing.
Treat your brace with care. If you loose or damage your brace, you may have to pay to have it replaced.
If you loose or break your brace, contact the practice as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next visit.