[ Elastics ]

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Elastics are used to move groups of teeth.

HOW?
The elastics supply the force to move the teeth.

WHEN DO I WEAR THEM?
All the time except at mealtimes and when brushing.

HOW OFTEN DO I CHANGE THEM?
Once per day - preferably at bedtime

WHAT IF.... An elastic breaks?
Replace immediately so keep a packet with you all the time.

The hook on the brace for the elastic breaks?
Call us immediately

[ Functional Appliances ]

HOW DOES IT WORK?
1) Restricts forward growth of upper jaw
2) Moves lower teeth for ward and upper teeth back

HOW LONG IS IT WORN?
Approximately 12-18 months.
The more it is worn the quicker it will work.

WHAT TO EXPECT?
At first your teeth may feel tender and uncomfortable so try soft foods and analgesics. This will improve within a week.

HOW DO I CLEAN IT?
Use a soft toothbrush with soap and cool water — no toothpaste

WHEN DO I TAKE IT OUT?
- To eat your meals
- To brush your teeth

[ Head Gear ]

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Headgear pulls back the upper teeth when the upper teeth and jaw are too far forward.

HOW DO I WEAR IT?
You gradually increase the time it is worn, starting at 2 hours and increasing by 2 hours every night until you build up to 14 hours.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WEAR IT?
How quickly headgear works depends on your rate of growth and also your cooperation.

WILL IT HURT?
It may feel tender and uncomfortable at first as your teeth will be moving.

WHEN DO I TAKE IT OUT?
- To eat your meals
- To brush your teeth

[ Removable Plate]
The plate is made up of wires and plastic. The wires that hold the plate in your mouth are called clasps and the ones that move the teeth are called springs or bows.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Plates are used to move teeth. They apply a force through the
use of springs screws and wires

HOW LONG MUST IT BE WORN??
Full time - Keep it in when snacking and when at school.
Remember the more it is worn the quicker the treatment!

HOW DO I PUT IT IN?
It may feel tender and Place the plastic base behind the front teeth. Push with your thumb in the middle of the plastic base to seat the plate. You will hear it click into place.

HOW DO I TAKE IT OUT?
Place your finger above the clasps at the back and push down.
NEVER grab hold of the wire in front of the teeth as it will deform.

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY PLATE
Clean it after every meal by washing it under cool water. Each morning use a tooth brush and soap to scrub the plate clean.

WHAT TO EXPECT
At the beginning you may have some difficulty in eating and talking with your new plate. There may also be some tooth soreness. This will pass in a couple of
days. Analgesics may be taken as directed if necessary.

[ Retainers]
Retainers are vitally important and necessary

WHAT ARE THEY
There are different types of retainers, removable or fixed:
1) Very thin mouthguard type appliance called a suckdown
retainer
2) Clear or coloured wire retainers
3) Fixed wire glued to the back of the teeth
The type Dr Lipshatz recommends will depend on what will work best for you.

WHAT DO THEY DO
They hold your teeth in their straightened position

HOW LONG ARE THEY WORN?
Retainers are generally worn for a year full time after treatment and then for the following 2-3 years at night.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The teeth may feel tender and the retainer may interfere with speech. This should settle after 1 week.

EATING
1) You can eat snacks with your retainers in but nothing hard, chewy or sticky.
2) Take out your retainer for main meals and place in retainer case.

CLEANING
Brush your retainer gently with toothbrush and soap whilst supporting it in the palm of your hand.
DO NOT put it in hot or boiling water

[ Rapid Palatal Expansion Appliance ]

WHAT DOES IT DO?
It separates the two halves of the palate to widen the upper arch.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
It expands the upper arch and palate when you turn the midline
screw.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
The expansion will take 1-2 months. You will then have the appliance in for a further 6 months to stabilise the end result.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
There will be some discomfort initially as the teeth start moving. This will pass in 2-3 days..
A gap will open between the front teeth that will quickly close when you stop expanding.
There may be some marks on your tongue due to the appliance.

[ Quad Helix Expansion Appliance ]

HOW DOES IT WORK?
It works by pushing on the teeth on both sides and moving them outwards

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Approximately 6-9 months

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
You will get food caught in the plate and it will interfere with speech for 1-2 weeks after insertion. It will be annoying as your tongue will touch the spring all the time initially.

WHAT IF ONE SIDE COMES OUT
Lie the patient down and try to replace the post on the appliance into the slots on the bands.

[ Separators ]

CAN I STILL BRUSH?
It is important to continue to brush the teeth well around the separator even if they are sore.

WHAT IF IT FALLS OUT?
Occasionally the separators become loose and fall out which means sufficient room has been made for the bands. Try putting it back with your finger nail - if you cannot do so then don’t worry, provided you did not pull out the separator yourself. If you did pull it out yourself you must contact us.