Bite plate
Your bite plate is designed to protect braces from breaking off your teeth when they are in your bite, & it also helps correct your overbite when used with or without braces. It is made of plastic with metal clasps to hold it in position. Your bite plate must be worn at all times – no excuses! By protecting your braces from breakages, your treatment will be quicker, & you will need fewer appointments.
You must wear your bite plate at all times, but you must take it out when you clean your teeth.
After your appliance is fitted, it may seem a little strange at first when speaking and eating. Don’t be concerned, it will take a bit of time to settle in. It might also feel a bit uncomfortable for the first few days, but this will soon pass. Choose a softer diet and take a mild pain-reliever like Panadol or Nurofen if required.
Always place and remove your bite plate with your fingers and ensure that it is correctly seated at all times. Please do not click it out with your tongue – it’s a good party trick, but it tends to break the clasps.
Cleaning
Make sure you brush it morning and night on both sides with the special brush you have been given. You can buy these at the supermarket – they are called denture brushes.
Use toothpaste when you brush your plate and take care not to drop it in the sink.
Oh, and don’t forget to brush your teeth and gums well!
Appointments
Please make sure that you have made appointments so that we see you regularly to check the appliance.
If you notice anything wrong, or if you have a problem, please give us a call so we can determine if you need to see us before your next scheduled appointment.