Instructions for Elastic Wear

1. Wear 24 hours a day (except when brushing); unless, otherwise instructed.

2. Change at least three times a day.

3. If on one side of your mouth the elastic (or elastics) breaks, change both sides.

4. Please call the office if you run out of elastics. We can mail them to you or you can stop by the office for the elastics.

Instructions for Headgear (Night Brace)

1. Headgear, though rarely utilized, must always be worn while sleeping and during other quiet times (reading, doing homework, watching TV, etc.).

2. Never wear while riding in the car, playing inside or outside, etc.

3. Minimum of 14 -16 hours of wear per day is needed.

4. Adjustments are made by Dr. Feuer only.

5. Please bring headgear to all appointments.

Instructions for Expansion Appliances

(They are used to correct bites and to create space – cemented and removable).

1. Appliances must be worn full time including eating (removed and brushed after eating and replaced immediately to avoid changes).

2. Upper appliances are typically activated once every day or once every other day. Our office will provide you with specific instructions.

3. Lower appliances are typically activated three times per week. Please follow Dr. Feuer’s instruction.

4. The key that is used to activate the appliance is placed in the hole and the turning motion is from front to back. Always complete the rotation to expose the hole for the next activation.

5. If you miss an appointment, stop opening the appliances until Dr. Feuer has checked them.

6. As with all orthodontic treatment, when in doubt, call Dr. Feuer. He will be happy to review the instructions with you.

Instructions for Invisalign Patients

1. Remove aligners and put in your case before eating, snacking, or drinking (except water).

2. After eating brush and floss thoroughly and replace aligners.

3. To be effective, aligners should be worn consistently for approximately 22.5 hours per day.

4. There are no food restrictions as the aligners are removed when eating.

5. Aligners should be changed every two weeks. Always save the previous aligners as a backup.

Instructions for Retainer Wear

1. Retainers are worn 24 a day unless otherwise instructed.

2. Remove retainers and place them in your case, when swimming at the beach or in the ocean.

3. Remove retainers and brush them when you brush your teeth. When brushing retainers, use cool water only as hot water will warp and distort them.

4. Keep out of pets' reach! Especially dogs!

5. Do not leave retainers in the car or any place where they will overheat.

6. Adjustments are made by Dr. Feuer only!

7. If retainers are lost or broken, please call the office immediately.

8. Always put retainers in their case, when they are not in your mouth. Never wrap them in a tissue or paper towel as they can easily be thrown away. Remember, do not put them in your pocket or backpack without the case.

Instructions for Spacers

1. Spacers are not braces. If needed, they are placed between the teeth to make room for the braces (bands).

2. The same eating habits apply to spacers and braces - no gum, no candy, etc.

3. Brush your teeth as you normally would do.

4. Do not floss where the spacers have been placed.

5. Do not play with spacers, as they will fall out prematurely.

6. If spacers fall out on their own, there is enough space between the teeth.