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Headgear is an appliance which helps straighten your teeth and jaws. It also shortens the time needed for braces. Headgear has a strap that fits around your head or neck and puts pressure on a wire or facebow attached to your braces. This pressure helps move your teeth. The more you wear your headgear, the faster you'll be done with it. For headgear to work, you usually need to wear it at least 12 to 14 hours every day. It's important to never miss a day. To exercise headgear safety:
To properly care for your headgear, remove it before you eat, place the headgear in its case when you're not wearing it, and when it's time to put it back on, brush the facebow with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Wearing a retainer is easy, but it may take a few days to get used to. Swallowing and talking may seem a bit awkward at first. For a day or two, your mouth may be slightly sore. To relieve the discomfort, you may take anything that you would normally take to relieve a headache. Remember, the more you wear your retainer, the sooner you'll get used to it.
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Your palatal expander may take a few days to get used to, and sometimes about a week after the device is cemented into place, you may feel a little itching in the roof of your mouth or nose. Don't worry. This is normal as the fibers stretch and expand. This device is cemented in place and the screw must be turned one time each day. Do not exceed 14 turns without having your appliance checked by Dr. Hamilton You may see a space between your two front teeth. After you have completed all of the turns, the space will start closing back together, but the jaw structure will stay expanded. After the palate has been widened enough, it is necessary to hold it so new bone will form. The palatal spreading device will remain in place for 3 to 5 months after the turns are completed. Your expander needs special care. Please brush your teeth, including the expander, and remember to brush the gum tissue surrounding your appliance. Use your favorite fluoride mouthwash 2 times a day and remember to avoid popcorn, anything sticky, chewy or hard to take proper care of your expander.
