Dr. Bernice Szafarek
Szafarek Dental
P.O. Box 87
187 Route 66 East
Columbia, CT 06237

860-228-8492
E-mail us

Q: I was recently fitted with an appliance to correct an overbite. Any advice?

A: The effectiveness of the treatment will depend to a large degree on your following the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist. But generally keep these tips in mind:

• Take good care of your appliances. Keep them in a safe space dedicated to them alone.
• When playing a sport, take out removable appliances. Use a mouth guard to protect fixed appliances, like braces.
• It is very easy to lose an appliance when swimming.
• Appliances trap food particles, so clean them thoroughly after you eat and when you regularly brush.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage an appliance. Nuts, hard-crusted bread, corn on the cob, bagels and caramels are just a few of the foods you should avoid. Some hard fruits, like apples, are okay if they are cut into small pieces.
• Be precise in wearing appliances, elastics, headgear and/or retainers for the periods your dentist or orthodontist recommends.

With care and discipline you'll have the smile you want in as short a time as possible.