Now that you have your plates, you may have some questions you would like answered.

What is a functional appliance?

A functional appliance is a fixed appliance that works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time.  It is called a “Cantilever Bite Jumper” (CBJ) functional appliance.

A “Cantilever Bite Jumper” (CBJ) functional appliance.

How much do I need to wear the CBJ?

You need to wear your CBJ full time for at least 12 months otherwise the treatment will not be successful or will take longer to complete.  For the treatment to work it is important you follow these instructions.  You will find the improvement in the position of your teeth can be quite dramatic. 

Will it be painful?

It may to be sore for about 3-5 days after the plates have been fitted.  You are not likely to need pain control, but if necessary, pain control such as the ones you would normally take for a headache, may help (please read the instructions on the packet).  If there is an obvious area of soreness as a result of the brace, ring for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible.

How will things be different?

Your speech will be different.  Practice speaking with the brace in place eg. read out aloud at home on your own, and in this way your speech will return to normal in a couple of days.

You may also find yourself swallowing a lot to begin with.  This is quite normal and will quickly pass.

You may also find that a lot of saliva tends to build up in your mouth.  This should slow down once you are used to wearing the plates. Try to swallow the excess saliva, you will adjust quickly enough.

Can I eat normally?

You may find it difficult to eat with your functional appliance in place to start with.  You will be advised about this.  You will get used to it if you perservere.

How do I look after the plate?

For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time it is important you take care of your teeth and brace.  In order to prevent damage to both, you should avoid the following;

·       Toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars, etc.

·       Fizzy drinks including diet drinks, excessive amounts of fruit juice.

What about tooth brushing?

It is important you brush well three times per day after meals and use a fluoride toothpaste.  If possible carry a brush with you for use after lunch.  You should also gently brush the brace, taking care not to damage the wires.

A daily Fluoride mouth rinse should be used last thing at night after tooth brushing. If you don’t clean your teeth and brace you may get permanent decays of your teeth.

Can I remove the brace?

The brace you are now wearing is cemented onto your teeth and cannot be removed. 

How long will treatment take?

This can vary according to how severe your case is.  Most of the work with this brace is usually completed in about 12 months. You may progress to a second phase of treatment with a different type of brace.  You will be advised about this. 

Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time.

How often will I need an appointment?

You will need regular appointments during treatment for the brace to be adjusted every 8-10 weeks.

If you have a problem with your brace then ring the surgery to discuss the problem as soon as possible so the problem can be fixed.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist?

Yes.  It is important you have check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment to check for decay.

What do I do if I play contact sports?

You can wear a mouthguard over your functional appliance when you play contact sports.  These double mouthguards are available at the surgery and cost $15.00.  It will need to be fitted at the surgery.

What do I do if my brace breaks?

Ring up for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible.  Do not wait until your next routine appointment as the breakage may slow your treatment, or may result in damage to your teeth. 

You may be charged for the repairs if you have not followed the care instructions.

If you repeatedly break the brace your brace treatment may be stopped.

Please refer to the trouble shooting page about your CBJ.

You are the only one though that can wear the brace and ensure your treatment is successful.           GOOD LUCK