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2602 S. Rouse
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Tel: (620) 231-6910
Fax: (620) 231-6918
Created by Ortho Sesame |
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Life With Braces | Braces in Action | Emergency Info
Appliance Instructions | Before and After Photos
FAQ | Patient Care Video
Your Rapid Palatal Expander
What is it?
Congratulations, you are now the owner of an expansion appliance! This appliance is designed to expand your upper arch and provide adequate space to later straighten your teeth.
What do I do?
For the appliance to work, it must be activated specifically according to Dr. Pinamonti's instructions. In your case, activate the appliance ONE TURN a day for 14 days. Insert the key into the hole (but no farther) then gently and steadily push the key from the front toward the back of the mouth until you see a new hole appear. It will then be ready for the next activation.
How will it feel?
You will feel some pressure as the arch expands and possible a tingling sensation at the bridge of your nose.
What changes can I expect?
As a result of your activations, expect to see a space open between your two front teeth. This is a good sign! The space will close once the expander in no longer activated. You may notice a change in your speech for a while. Speak slowly and distinctly until your tongue adapts to the change. Reading aloud often helps to speed up the process.
How do I clean it?
Be sure to thoroughly clean your appliance with your toothbrush. A Water Pik is very helpful in cleaning in and around your expander.
Are there any food considerations?
Remember to avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods which can loosen your appliance.
When do I come back to your office?
We will need to check you and your appliance every 14 days until Dr. Pinamonti informs you to stop activation of the expander. Your appliance will remain in place for an additional 3 to 5 months to hold the expansion.
Emergencies?
Bonded expanders (with the plastic covering the teeth): If the appliance feels loose on one side you will see the saliva bubble when you bite down. Please call the office to have it fixed. If you require antibiotic pre-medication before dental treatment, be sure to take it before that emergency appointment. Do not turn the appliance if it is loose. If the appliance comes out completely wear it like a removable appliance. Wear it full time unless you are eating, playing sports, and brush it when you brush you teeth. Do not turn the appliance.
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Bonded Rapid Palate Expander
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Banded expanders: If a band comes loose then call the office and notify us of your emergency. If you require antibiotic pre-medication before dental treatment, be sure to take it before that emergency appointment. Do not turn the appliance.
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Banded Rapid Palate Expander
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What to Expect From Your New Braces
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Your teeth will be tender for about 24 to 48 hours.
- If you need to relieve the pain, then take what ever you take for a headache.
- Be sure to get a parent's help.
Your cheeks and lips need to get used to the brackets and wire. This may take around 2 weeks.
- Be sure to use wax on the areas that get irritated.
- Rinse with warm salt water, if needed. (Be sure to get a parent's help.)
We will be giving you a package to take home which includes:
- Travel tooth brush and tooth paste for you to use at school after lunch
- Wax to place on a bracket or wire that irritates your cheeks
- Colgate Phos-flur rinse sample. We hope your parents will purchase a bottle of this. It is to be used at night before you go to bed. The fluoride will protect your teeth from cavities and scaring, but it does not replace brushing. Remember if there are small children in the house, keep it out of their reach and never swallow fluoride.
Remember that brushing is very important.
- Brush after every meal.
- Brush after you eat/drink sweets.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste.
- Remember to brush around each bracket, under the wire, on the chewing side and tongue side of your teeth.
Watch out for foods that can break off your appliances, such as:
- Popcorn
- Ice
- Gum
- Hard candy
- Sticky candy
- Corn on the cob
- Hard bread sticks
- Carrots & Whole apples – chop them up
- Hard chips
If you have an emergency, please tell your parents or call us immediately.
- Remember our office hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm, with lunch from 12 am to 1 pm.
- If the emergency cannot wait until the next patient day, then please call the office for emergency instructions.
What to Expect From Your Retainers
Just when you thought you were finished with orthodontic treatment, the most important phase begins…Retention.
Why is it so important? Because you have worked so hard to improve your smile you should not want them to go back from where they came.
Remember the supporting bone around your teeth needs to calcify or become strong again and while you wear the retainers.
DO'S
Wear your retainers 24 hours per day. Remove them only:
- To brush your teeth and retainers every day
- When you are playing a sport
- When you are swimming or water skiing
- When you are eating and can put them in a safe place (in YOUR RETAINER CASE)
DON'TS
- Never wrap them in a paper towel or napkin (they may get thrown away).
- Never leave them in a hot car: THEY WILL WARP.
- Never clean them in boiling water: THEY WILL MELT.
- Keep them away from dog: THEY WILL CHEW THEM UP.
- Never soak them in rubbing alcohol or denture cleaner: THEY WILL CRACK AND BECOME WEAK.
- Never put them in your back pocket or purse if they are not in your retainer case: THEY WILL BREAK.
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| Wrap Around Upper Retainer |
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Upper Hawley Retainer |
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| Lower Spring Aligner |
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Lower Hawley Retainer |
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