
In yesterday’s blog post I talked about how we support our patients in remembering post operative instructions. I started with a story about a patient who recently melted his anterior bite plane appliance trying to tighten it himself. I have had numerous inquiries today about what my post-op instructions are when I deliver an anterior bite plane appliance. My delivery process is simple:
- Seat the appliance and adjust for appropriate fit by trimming the labial flange of the biocryl.
- Create even stops in ICP
- Create smooth even guidance in excursions.
Once all of this is complete and the appliance has been polished we allow the patient to practice insertion and removal of the appliance a few times, so they feel confident. Lastly I sit down with them and we go through the post-op instructions. I make sure they are clear, ask if they have any questions about the instructions and finish with a confirmation of their next appointment.
- Brush & Floss your teeth and brush the appliance prior to putting it in.
- When you first remove the appliance lightly touch your teeth and make a mental note of where they hit first.
- Brush and floss your teeth and brush the appliance.
- Place the appliance in your case without wrapping or adding moisture.
- The appliance is either in your mouth or the case, any place else is a recipe for losing it.
- After breakfast bring your teeth together and pay attention to your bite. It should feel like the bite you are familiar with.
- Stop wearing the appliance and come in if you develop any increase in pain or new pain you have not had previously.
- Stop wearing the appliance and come in if you notice it starts to take longer int he morning before you can find the bite you are familiar with.
- Absolutely do not wear the appliance for more than 6-8 hours out of every 24.
In case you are wondering I do not instruct patients on how to tighten the appliance themselves, unless they are wearing them long term, and have come in concerned that they are getting loose.
Dr Brady take a look at our web site and give me a call. 760-840-7427. Brad