Katzen Orthodontics
2937 Siskiyou Blvd., Suite 2
Medford, OR 97504 - Map It
Phone: (541) 773-6600
254 Palm St.
Ashland, OR 97520 - Map It
Phone: (541) 482-4343

Removable Appliances

Removable Appliances

The removable appliance is carefully designed to move or to hold your teeth. It is important that it is worn according to instructions and brought to each appointment.

  • You must wear your appliance at all times, even while you are asleep. It may be removed while eating, swimming, or playing vigorous sports activities.
  • Avoid flipping your appliance with your tongue. This can cause damage to your teeth or breakage of your appliance.
  • Your new appliance may make your teeth sore for a day or two, especially after an adjustment. If you have a sore spot on your gums, call our office so that we can adjust the appliance.
  • Clean your appliance by brushing it daily with toothpaste. Denture cleaner (e.g., Efferdent or Polident) can also be used for a more thorough cleaning. If you are wearing a bonded wire retainer behind your front teeth, be extra careful to clean the wire and the area around it. Flossing should be done every day.
  • Never wrap your appliance in a paper napkin or tissue and set it down on the table. You or someone else may accidentally throw it away. Do not put it in your pocket when playing or you may break or lose it. Whenever it is not in your mouth, it should be placed in its plastic appliance case.
  • Keep your appliance away from dogs or cats, as they love to chew on them. Avoid storing them near any source of heat. Do not boil your retainer to sterilize it. If needed, bring it to the office and we will be happy to disinfect it for you.

Retainers

Now that your braces are off and you are enjoying your beautiful new smile, we would like to give you some information about retainers.

  • Retainers are very important to your orthodontic result and the first year after braces is always the most crucial.
  • Until you are advised differently, wear your retainer all the time, except for playing sports and eating.
  • Brush the retainers with cold water every time you brush your teeth. Soaking them in mouthwash during dinner will give you that after-dinner mint taste. Occasionally soaking in regular denture cleaner is also a good idea.
  • Retainers can easily be broken if they are not in your mouth or in their case. Avoid backpacks, back pockets, tabletops and places where the family pet can reach them.
  • If you break your retainer, do not try to fix it yourself. Call our office to get it repaired.
  • Be careful not to click your retainer in and out all the time or always be taking it out to show friends. This will cause it to get loose and not fit properly.
  • Retainers do not like heat. Avoid hot water, sunlight and do not microwave them (yes, it has been done).
  • You may talk funny or salivate more when you first get your retainer. This is normal and will improve with practice and time.
  • Remember: retainers are difficult to make and are expensive to replace. Take care of them and keep your recall appointments with us. With proper care, your retainer will serve you well for a very long time.