Instructions For Your Forsus Springs
What does it do?
Forsus springs are an appliance that helps align the teeth and jaws. It works by moving the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward. Unlike headgear or elastics, springs cannot be removed by you and therefore provide 24 hours of constant force.
What are the parts?
- The rod is the metal part that attaches to the lower braces near the front.
- The spring attaches to the upper molar. The rod is inserted inside the spring.
What to expect?
The first few days will be the most difficult because your teeth will be sore as they are not accustomed to the springs. Your cheeks might need some time to adjust to the presence of the springs. Some patients get small indentations in their cheeks. These will disappear as you get accustomed to the springs. Take Tylenol as necessary(make sure to follow dosing guidelines for your age and weight on the bottle).
How to care for them
- Keeping a clean mouth will minimize any irritation. If an irritation does develop, put a large piece of wax on the part of the spring that is causing the irritation and rinse with warm salted water (1 tsp salt in 1 cup water) 2-3 times per day.
- Avoid hard and sticky food and be sure to cut your food in smaller pieces. Please follow the NO-NO List of foods. Biting on the appliance may deform or break it.
- Do not open your mouth too wide as this can distort or disengage the springs. If the rod disengages from the spring, you should be able to put it back together while your mouth is open wide. If you have trouble re-engaging the spring or it breaks, you may secure it with an elastic or dental floss
*If the spring or any attachments break, please call the office. If you have any problems you cannot solve, please call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Additional charges will apply for lost or broken springs due to neglect.
