After you get your appliance, you might feel a little sore and your teeth may be tender to biting for 3-5 days. If it’s severe, take Advil®/Tylenol® to ease the discomfort. Your gums and tongue may become irritated for a few days, as you get used to your appliance. It’s normal to swallow a little bit differently as you did before. Remember that this appliance is stopping a habit so it may take a few days to get used to it. It may take a few days to get used to talking with it as well.
Care Instructions
- Brush and floss your teeth twice daily.
- It’s important to have regular cleanings at your dental office. We recommend going every 6-12 months.
- Hard foods: popcorn, nuts, ice cubes and hard candies
- Sticky foods: caramel, sugary gum, beef jerky, jujubes and licorice
- Avoid chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails
- Cut apples, carrots and any other hard fruits or vegetables into small pieces before eating them
- Pizza crust and meat on bones
- Break chips into small pieces
- Sugar-free gum is allowed
Sore Mouth Rinse
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a small glass of lukewarm water and rinse for 1 minute. This will help your tissues.