Wearing Your Appliance

• Wear your elastics WITH your lower retainer/Invisalign aligner for 20–22 hours per day, as prescribed. Wearing them less than 20 hours per day will delay or prevent proper results.

• Always wear elastics with your lower retainer/aligner. Wearing elastics without the retainer can negatively affect the alignment of your lower teeth.

• Change elastics 2–3 times per day or after every meal.

• Avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to the appliance.

• Treatment with the Powerbar appliance will continue until the desired bite correction is achieved. Braces or full Invisalign treatment will not begin until your bite is corrected.

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Appliance & Retainer/Lower Aligner Care

• Clean your retainer daily using a toothbrush and dish soap with warm water (NOT HOT water).

• When not in use, store your retainer in the provided case—DO NOT wrap it in a napkin.

• Rinse your mouth after eating to reduce trapped sugars and bacteria.

• Use the proxy (interdental) brush to clean underneath the bars to help prevent gum irritation or inflammation.

• Contact our office immediately if the upper appliance becomes loose or if the lower retainer is lost or broken.

  • If an appliance comes loose, save all parts and bring them to your next appointment.

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What to Expect

• Your upper teeth may feel sore for the first few days after starting elastic wear. This discomfort improves with consistent wear.

• Over time, the upper teeth attached to the elastics may feel slightly loose, and small spaces may develop between the upper front teeth. This is a normal and expected part of treatment.

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​Sports & Activities

• Always wear a mouthguard during sports (make sure to get one specifically made for BRACES)

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Appointments Matter

• Keep all scheduled appointments

• Missed or delayed visits can extend treatment time

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Remember:

✔ Clean braces = healthy teeth
✔ Follow food guidelines
✔ Call us with any concerns

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Your cooperation helps ensure a healthy smile and successful treatment!