STEP12 /
Ask the patient to wear the appliance in the office for 15 – 20 minutes to be sure the fit is comfortable.

HELPFUL HINT /
If a correction to the appliance is needed, the material can be softened again for a remolding.

STEP 13 /
Select the information that applies to a particular patient from the list below. Discuss the wear and care of the appliance before the patient leaves the office.


EXPLAIN TO THE PATIENT ABOUT WEARING THE APPLIANCE :

Pushing the appliance out during the night is a natural reaction, especially at first. Recommend the patient wear the appliance an hour or two before bedtime.

The appliance should not be worn after the patient has consumed alcohol.


WEARING TIME DEPENDS ON AGE AND SYMPTOMS :

FOR EXAMPLE :

Older patients should start slowly with one or two hours a day and work up to full nighttime wear.

Eight to 12 year old patients with overjet should wear the RCM appliance 60 to 80 percent of the time.

Symptoms like mild clicking for a younger person (e.g. 19 years) may require wearing the appliance only during the night.

Symptoms like grating and arthritic changes in middle age patients (35 – 40 years) may require wearing the appliance two to three hours during the day and at night.

As a general rule, recommend the patient wear the appliance for 1 or 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon for the first two to three days. This gives the muscles a chance to adapt to the new position. For the next three days wear the appliance 2 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. After approximately 1 week, wear the appliance at night while sleeping and as much during the day as feels comfortable.


EXPLAIN TO THE PATIENT ABOUT CARING FOR THE APPLIANCE

Never heat the appliance with a microwave or direct flame. It will destroy the material.

Do not trim or alter the product in any way without first consulting your doctor.

The appliance can be cleaned with a toothbrush using toothpaste or mouthwash. Rinse with warm water.

When not in use, store the appliance in the plastic box provided.