Instructions for removable appliances

Guidelines for removable orthodontic appliances: an appliance designed by the orthodontist and made by the technician should be worn diligently by the patient.
The appliance should be worn strictly according to the orthodontist’s instructions.
Even a short break in wearing the appliance can quickly reverse achieved treatment results and cause relapse.
Lack of regular use also leads to frequent appliance failures.
Ensure the child keeps lips closed and breathes through the nose while wearing the appliance.
With a dual-jaw appliance, the child should additionally speak a lot or read aloud.
Please remember that treatment success depends largely on the patient, who must closely cooperate with the treating doctor and strictly follow recommendations.
Neither the orthodontist nor the appliance manufacturer can be responsible for patient neglect.

Each time after removing the appliance from the mouth, it should be washed.
To clean the appliance, toothpaste is not recommended because it contains abrasive granules that may scratch the appliance.
Use liquid soap or a dedicated denture paste that does not contain abrasive particles.
The appliance can also be soaked in diluted hydrogen peroxide (1:1 with water), warm water with citric acid or vinegar, or special denture cleaning tablets.
Then clean the appliance mechanically with a toothbrush; rinsing with water alone is not enough.
Areas around the screw and springs are especially important.
Dried saliva and plaque can calcify the screw and eventually prevent activation.
A good habit after washing and drying is to oil the screw with edible oil.
During cleaning and screw activation, hold the appliance by the acrylic part, not the wires, as wires can deform.
After cleaning, it is best to insert the appliance immediately or dry it with a tissue or paper towel.
Store the appliance in a dedicated ventilated box, always clean and dry.
Do not leave the appliance outside the box; it may get damaged (it smells like saliva and can be chewed by pets).
The appliance should not be placed on “dirty teeth”.
The appliance should be inserted only after brushing the teeth.

The appliance should be inserted according to instructions received during the visit.
After insertion, press it evenly against the mucosa and teeth with thumbs (upper plate) or index fingers (lower plate).
Do not bite down to seat the appliance, as this may cause cracks.

The first two weeks after receiving the appliance should be treated as an adaptation period.
During this time, increased salivation may occur, and a gag reflex may also appear.
If the gag reflex does not subside, contact your orthodontist, who will adjust the appliance.
During adaptation, speech may be less clear, and the patient must learn to swallow saliva while wearing the appliance.
After activating the appliance (turning the screw or after a check-up), the following may occur: tightness for about 3–4 days, tooth tenderness, irritation or sores on lips/cheeks if metal elements press, and slight tooth mobility sensation.
If post-activation tooth soreness is mild and generalized, it means the appliance works and symptoms should pass after a few days.
If pain is strong and localized in one area, the appliance is rubbing—call and schedule a visit.

If screw activation or elastics are prescribed, perform them accurately and regularly.
Each screw has an arrow indicating the activation direction.
Insert the key into the screw opening and turn according to the arrow embedded in acrylic near the screw.
Always activate in the same direction indicated by the arrow.
It is recommended to write down activation dates.
Right after activation and insertion, pressure on all teeth may be felt.
This sensation is normal and quickly subsides.
Activating too quickly while wearing the appliance irregularly will cause poor fit and may irritate teeth and mucosa.
If the appliance no longer fits after activation, it means it has been worn too rarely.
In that case, reverse the turn and try reactivating after regular wear.

If the appliance falls out, retention elements should be adjusted in the clinic or reconstructed to improve retention.
If there is a break in wearing the appliance (e.g., due to loss of a baby tooth, illness, etc.) or pain (e.g., sores), contact the doctor and arrange an emergency visit.
Orthodontic treatment requires regular check-up visits with the orthodontist.
During visits, the patient or parents should report all observations regarding the appliance.
Do not perform any repairs on your own.
Do not play with the appliance.
Proper care and compliance with recommendations ensure longer appliance lifespan.
Even with good hygiene and regular use, minor failures may occur.
This does not indicate poor material quality.
The appliance is exposed to high forces, and wire elements perform significant work during treatment, which can weaken them over time.

Instructions for removable appliances — Best Pick Lab