Appliance & Aftercare Instructions

Brush and floss

• Brush at least twice daily and after meals when possible.
• Use circular motions at the gumline and clean above and below every bracket.
• Focus on the “danger zone” between brackets and gums.
• Use a Platypus orthodontic flosser or threader between teeth and up to the gums.
• If you cannot brush, rinse thoroughly with water.

Plaque around brackets creates acids that can leave permanent white marks. Limit sugary and sports drinks to once a week.

Foods to avoid

Skip hard candy, Starburst, taffy, caramels, bubble gum, gummy candy, hard chips, popcorn, jerky, nuts, sunflower seeds, ice, and corn on the cob. Cut firm fruits, vegetables, and pizza crust into small pieces. Never chew pens or pencils.

Loose or broken parts

Loose bracket: It can usually wait unless uncomfortable. Broken archwire: Clip it with a clean fingernail clipper if needed, then call. Pokey wire: Tuck it with a pencil eraser, dry it, and add wax.

Soreness and elastics

Warm salt-water rinses and ibuprofen or acetaminophen taken as directed can help soreness. If a colored elastic falls off, it does not affect treatment and can usually wait until your next visit.

Fit checks

Retainers should feel snug. For a fit check, face a window, photograph the retainers in your mouth, and text the photo to (402) 423-8000.

Clear retainers

• Brush inside and out with toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Store them in the provided case.
• Without a permanent wire, wear them full-time for 6–8 weeks, then nights only unless told otherwise.
• Ask about the Retainer Plus Program for replacements.

Permanent wires

Brush normally around the wire. Floss the upper wire normally and use the provided threaders underneath the lower wire between each tooth. A water flosser helps; keep six-month dental cleanings.

Right after braces

Puffy gums should improve with brushing and flossing. Wait 2–4 weeks before whitening. Bring nighttime retainers to the final photo and X-ray appointment for a fit check. Some breakage may qualify for coverage during the first year.

Daily care

• Brush after meals and floss often.
• Do not play with the appliance.
• Avoid hard and sticky foods, pop, energy drinks, sports drinks, and ice.
• Ask about a compatible sports mouthguard.
• Expect checks about every 10–12 weeks.

Loose screw or arm

Keep the provided .05 hex wrench nearby. Tighten a loose screw clockwise. If it will not tighten, remove the loose arm by turning its lower screw counterclockwise, save the arm, and call. Wearing one arm temporarily is okay.

Call the office

Call promptly if a metal crown loosens or a wire breaks. Wax can cushion temporary irritation on the lips and cheeks.

Clean and store

• Brush teeth and both sides of trays morning and night.
• Brush after meals or rinse with water before reinserting.
• Use the case and keep trays away from pets.
• Never drink pop or sugary drinks with trays in.

Soreness and roughness

Keep a new tray in while teeth adjust. Pain medicine taken as directed can help. Smooth a rough edge with a fingernail file or call the office.

Lost or broken tray

Keep your prior set. Return to it if the current tray is lost or broken, or move ahead when close to the next change, then contact the office. Match the number on every tray to its package.

Attachments and chewies

A regular button coming off is not urgent; a rubber-band button requires a prompt call. Use chewies for about five minutes morning and night during the first 1–3 days of each tray. The MyInvisalign app can track changes, photos, and wear time.

What to expect

Pressure or itching, a front-tooth gap, extra saliva for 24–48 hours, and short-term speech or swallowing changes are normal. Take small bites and brush around the appliance. A water flosser or mouthwash swish can help.

How to turn it

1. Point the key’s wire toward the expander.
2. Insert it into the closest screw hole.
3. Hold the handle vertically.
4. Push toward the back until the next hole appears.
5. Slide the wire out and down toward the back.

If it becomes loose

If one side loosens, gently rock it side to side so the remaining glue releases and remove the whole appliance. Save it and contact the office.

Protect them

• Avoid gum, Starburst, caramel, taffy, and gummy bears.
• Brush carefully but not aggressively.
• Do not floss where separators are placed; floss can push them into the gums.

If one falls out

If floss passes through the space without catching, the separator likely made enough room and does not need replacement. Call if unsure.