– Clean your mouth guard by gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush, using mild soap and cool water. Avoid using boiling or warm water, as it may cause damage.

– Before storing the mouth guard, soak it in retainer brite for 20 minutes. This helps ensure thorough disinfection.

When not in use, keep your mouth guard in a well-ventilated area. We provide complimentary plastic storage boxes for your convenience.

– Avoid exposing the mouth guard to excessive heat. Keep it away from hot locations and refrain from putting it in the dishwasher.

– Be careful not to over flex or bend the mouth guard when storing it, as this can lead to damage.

– Replace your mouth guard if it becomes unhygienic, worn out, or damaged. Regular replacement is necessary to maintain its effectiveness and ensure your oral health.

To ensure proper care and maintenance of your Invisalign treatment, follow these guidelines:

Wearing Your Invisalign:

1. Adhere to your Invisalign treatment plan by wearing your aligners as instructed. You can use a diary or the my Invisalign App to set reminders for aligner changes.
2. Attend clinical reviews with your dentist as advised during the treatment process.
3. Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day to achieve optimal results.
4. Initially, wear the first two aligners for two weeks each. Subsequently, wear the remaining aligners for 10 days each.
5. Use the provided chewies to fully seat the aligners after meals or drinks. Bite down on the chewies for 10 minutes in the evening. Chewies aid in faster and more accurate teeth movement.

Maintaining Hygiene:

1. Only drink water while wearing your aligners. Remove them for all other beverages and foods.
2. Ensure your teeth are clean before inserting the aligners into your mouth.
3. Gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled brush, using soap and water, every morning and night.
4. Once a week, soak your aligners in Retainer Brite or the Invisalign cleaning crystals for 20 minutes.
5. Dental Monitoring users will receive notifications if their oral hygiene needs improvement or if a visit to the hygienist is necessary.
6. Plan for more frequent hygiene visits during Invisalign treatment due to increased plaque build-up.

Dental Monitoring:

For patients enrolled in Dental Monitoring, please follow these instructions:

1. Download the Dental Monitoring (DM) app and activate your account.
2. Capture scans of your smile using the DM Scan-Box as per your personalized treatment schedule.
3. Receive progress reports and instructions through the app. In-person appointments will be scheduled only if necessary.
4. Enjoy the convenience of remote progress monitoring throughout your treatment.

Long-Term Retention:

To maintain your teeth in their final position after orthodontic treatment, consider these retention guidelines:

1. Removable retainers are custom-made clear trays, similar to Invisalign aligners. Wear them consistently to prevent teeth from shifting back.
2. Fixed retainers are small metal wires placed behind your teeth. These are supplemented with removable retainers worn over them.
3. Aim to wear both types of retainers for maximum retention power.
4. Initially, wear the retainers day and night for 9 months after Invisalign treatment. Gradually reduce wear time until they fit passively in the evenings.
5. Retention is a lifelong commitment, and nightly retainer wear is necessary to prevent teeth movement.
6. Replace broken or ill-fitting retainers promptly.

Additional Tips:

1. Regular check-ups are important to monitor long-term tooth stability.
2. Schedule regular hygiene visits to maintain cleanliness, especially if wires are present.
3. Use a TePe brush to clean between teeth and around wires for optimal oral health.
4. In case of teeth movement, a retention scheme and further orthodontic options can be discussed with your dentist.
5. Follow the retainer wear and care instructions provided, including proper cleaning and storage.
6. Contact your dentist promptly if your retainer does not fit, is broken, or lost for appropriate advice.

Process for Whitening Your Teeth at Home

1. 1. Begin by thoroughly brushing your teeth and flossing as you normally would. Make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly.
   2. If you experience sensitivity, use Evoseal desensitiser swabs as needed. Follow these steps: a. Hold the swab with the colored ring end facing up. b. Gently snap the colored ring tip to one side, allowing the liquid to flow to the cotton tip’s bottom. c. Apply the saturated end to each sensitive tooth, avoiding the gums. Gently rub the swab, and keep your lips away from your teeth to let them air dry for 20 seconds. d. Repeat the application if necessary.
   3. Attach the provided tip to the syringe containing the 10% tooth whitening gel for Week 1. Squeeze out a small amount of gel into a blob for each tooth that you wish to bleach, focusing on the deepest part of the teeth. Note: Refer to the illustration on the top edge of the home kit box for guidance.
   4. To achieve the best results, ensure you have a dry mouth before inserting the bleaching trays at night. Follow these steps: a. Close your lips and move the saliva to the back of your mouth, then swallow 2-3 times.
   5. Place the tray over your teeth and firmly press down, pushing backward to create a tight seal. Note: A small amount of excess gel escaping from the tray indicates the right amount of gel has been used. If there is too much excess gel, you have applied too much. Remove the excess gel with a cotton bud or your finger. Do not rinse your mouth with water to remove the excess gel.
   6. Wear the tray overnight for seven consecutive nights.
   7. In the morning, remove the tray and wipe off any remaining gel from your teeth. Rinse your mouth vigorously.
   8. Rinse the tray under cold running water, using a cotton bud to clean it. Store the trays in the provided container, being careful not to squash or distort them, as this can affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
   9. For the following seven nights, use the second syringe with a 16% whitening gel (Week 2).
   10. Avoid eating or drinking while wearing the bleaching trays.
   11. Keep the whitening syringes away from heat and sunlight.

Tips for Successful Whitening Treatment

1. After applying the gel to your tray, remember to remove the mixing tip from the syringe and replace it with the plastic cap. This prevents air from reaching the gel and deactivating it.
2. Store the gel in a cool and dry place.
3. Avoid consuming citrus foods and juices as they may contribute to sensitivity.
4. During and shortly after the whitening process (preferably within 48 hours), try to minimise your intake of tobacco, coffee, fizzy drinks, and red wines, as these substances can lead to re-staining.
5. Your custom-made kit includes 2 tubes of whitening gel. Apply the gel for one hour per day, over a period of 10-15 days.
6. Avoid overloading the whitening trays with gel, as excess gel can cause gum irritation. A lentil-sized amount of gel per tooth is recommended.
7. Refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking while wearing the whitening trays. The trays are designed to fit your teeth precisely, and engaging in such activities may distort them. However, you can speak, work, or relax as usual.
8. If your gums appear slightly white after treatments, it is a result of temporary soft tissue dehydration. This harmless side effect indicates that too much gel has been used. For future treatments, apply a smaller amount of gel.
9. To achieve optimal and timely results, avoid interrupting your treatment days. However, if you miss or skip a day, extend the treatment period to compensate.
10. It is normal to find darker colour residues in the trays if you have old silver fillings. You may also notice gel bubbles within the trays while wearing them. These are part of the whitening process.
11. The neck of the tooth (the area next to the gum) may take slightly longer to lighten and may appear slightly darker than the rest of the tooth at the end of your treatment. This is a natural occurrence.

Post-Treatment Instructions:

1. Once the whitening session is complete, remove the tray, rinse your mouth thoroughly, and brush off any excess gel from your teeth and gums.
2. Rinse the trays with cool water, using a cotton swab or toothbrush to remove any remaining gel. Allow them to dry. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the trays.
3. Place the trays in the tray case provided and store them in a cool, dry place.

Dealing with Sensitivity:

1. Some individuals may experience sensitivity as a side effect, but it can be easily managed.
2. Brush your teeth with Sensodyne toothpaste or apply it to your whitening trays and wear them overnight.
3. GC Tooth Mousse can also be effective when applied to your whitening trays.

Getting Acquainted with Your New Dentures and Proper Care Tips

Adjusting to wearing new dentures takes time and practice, especially when it comes to lower dentures due to the challenges posed by tongue and mouth floor movements and reduced suction surface area. At The Courtyard Clinic, we have extensive experience in creating dentures, and we would like to provide you with our top advice for a successful transition:

Initial Adjustment Period:

• Keep your dentures in for the first 24 hours.
• Expect feelings of fullness and increased salivation, which will decrease over time.
• If sore spots develop during this initial period, please visit us for adjustments.
• Read aloud to help your mouth adapt to the new dentures.

Eating with Your New Dentures:

• New denture teeth are often larger, reducing the chewing space. Start with smaller food pieces.
• Begin eating by cutting your food into smaller portions and focusing on the back of your mouth.
• Biting with the front teeth requires practice and may initially dislodge the dentures.
• Avoid sticky foods as much as possible.
• Consider using Fixodent or similar adhesives to enhance denture retention.
• After a meal, remove your dentures, rinse your mouth, and clean the dentures with water.

Speaking with New Dentures:

• Adjusting to speaking with dentures takes time, so be patient.
• Certain oral and facial muscles will need time to adapt and stabilize the new denture(s).
• The feelings of “fullness” and “crowding” will diminish with time.

Denture Aftercare Advice: Do’s and Don’ts

• Do keep your dentures in for the first 24 hours.
• Don’t tolerate sore spots or ulcers; visit us for assistance.
• Don’t sleep with your dentures in at night to promote oral hygiene and allow your gums to rest from daily wear.
• Cleanse and massage your dentures and gums daily with a soft toothbrush.
• Soak your dentures in a recommended denture cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you experience infections or sores under your dentures, please visit us, as you may require treatment for a fungal infection.
• When cleaning your dentures, do so over a sink filled with water or a bowl, to prevent accidental dropping.

When Is It Time for New Dentures or Denture Repair?

• Worn areas, holes, or cracks.
• Poor fit and retention.
• Severe color fading or staining.
• Hygiene issues.
• Worn or broken teeth.

How Often Should I Have My Dentures Checked?

• Even if you wear full dentures, regular checkups are important to ensure their fit and evaluate the health of your oral tissues. Infections can occur beneath dentures, and oral cancer screening is crucial for everyone.
• Bring your dentures to your hygiene appointments for cleaning, and if necessary, we can arrange deep professional cleaning for heavily soiled dentures using our Airflow hygiene system, which cleans dental appliances and the soft tissues under dentures.

Adjusting to Tooth Extraction and Proper Aftercare Guidelines

During the first 24 hours after tooth extraction, it is essential to follow these instructions for optimal healing:

• Avoid consuming hot food or drinks, smoking, drinking alcohol, and disturbing any blood clot that may have formed.
• Refrain from rinsing your mouth for 24 hours post-extraction. Afterward, rinse gently with warm salty water. Half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is sufficient.
• Maintain your regular teeth brushing routine to keep your mouth clean, but avoid the socket where the tooth was extracted.
• It is normal to experience some small pieces of bone working their way out of the socket, so there is no cause for concern.
• Swelling and mild discomfort may occur during the first two to three days. If needed, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, if suitable for you.
• If you feel pain a few days after the tooth extraction, it could indicate a “dry socket,” where the blood clot breaks down, leaving an empty hole in the gum. In this case, it is necessary to seek further treatment from your dentist. Simply contact the clinic.
• In the event of bleeding after treatment, we would have provided you with gauze. If not, a clean cloth handkerchief can be used instead (avoid using a paper tissue). Roll the cloth into a small, firm pad that is large enough to cover the extraction site (approximately 1cm by 3cm). Bite down firmly on the pad for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pad and check if the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist.

Precautions and Post-Sedation Care Instructions

To ensure a safe dental sedation appointment, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Unless instructed otherwise by your dentist, abstain from consuming any food or drink for at least two hours prior to the sedation appointment.
• All patients must be accompanied to the surgery by a responsible individual aged 18 or above. If the patient is under 16 years old, the accompanying person should be a patient or guardian.
• The accompanying person should be available to provide assistance to the recovering patient if needed and accompany them back home.
• Patients who receive intravenous sedation must not drive a vehicle, operate machinery, ride as a pillion on a motorbike, consume alcohol, or engage in any responsible tasks for 24 hours following the procedure.
• It is important to take your regular medications at the usual times.
• Inform your dentist if you have started taking any new medications or tablets since your last visit.
• After the initial 24 hours, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with hot saltwater mouthwashes as frequently and thoroughly as possible. Continue this practice for at least one week.
• Some swelling is normal after surgery. Utilize the ice packs provided by the clinic and supplement with additional ice packs at home for the first eight hours after the procedure.
• Take analgesics (such as Nurofen and paracetamol) as needed for pain relief.
• If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

Post-Surgical Care Instructions

To ensure proper healing and minimize complications after your procedure, please follow these guidelines:

• If sutures were placed inside your mouth, they will either dissolve or be removed within one to two weeks. If they come unraveled shortly after the procedure, please contact the practice for advice as you may need to return for re-stitching.
• For the first 24 hours, avoid sucking through a straw, rinsing or spitting vigorously, and touching the wound area.
• Refrain from exercise and consuming alcohol for 24 hours.
• Take your regular medications as usual.
• If you experience swelling, you may apply ice packs to the affected side of your face as needed.
• Brush your teeth and gums gently as you normally would, but be cautious and gentle in the area where the procedure was performed.
• Overnight oozing from the biopsy site is normal. If bleeding occurs, you can use gauze packs and gently bite down for 30 minutes to control it. If you are unable to control serious bleeding, please contact the practice or seek emergency care.
• When it comes to your diet, start with nourishing liquids and soft foods, gradually transitioning back to your normal diet as tolerated. Avoid extremely hot foods, foods with sharp edges, or foods that may get lodged in the biopsy area.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial after the biopsy. Make an effort to clean your teeth within your comfort range. Starting the day after your biopsy, rinse your mouth gently with salt water (dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a mug of warm water) every 4 hours and after meals to help cleanse the area.
• Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours. The longer you can abstain, the better the potential for healing.
• Take pain control medication as needed, following the instructions on the package.

In some cases, the post-surgery effects may be minimal, and not all instructions may apply. Use your common sense to determine what you should do. However, if you have any doubts or questions, please follow these guidelines or contact the practice for clarification.

Post-Sedation Care Instructions

After undergoing sedation, it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth recovery:

• Temporary amnesia may occur as a result of the sedation, but it typically lasts only a few hours.
• A responsible adult must accompany you home after the procedure, either by car or taxi. This person will receive instructions regarding your aftercare and should ideally stay with you until the following day. Our guidelines prohibit us from allowing you to go home unaccompanied.
• Continue taking your regular medication as prescribed after the procedure.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol for the remainder of the day.
• Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after the sedation.
• It can take up to 24 hours for the sedative drugs to completely leave your system, and for you to fully recover from the effects of the sedation, such as drowsiness, memory loss, lack of awareness, and coordination issues. Therefore, during this time period, please refrain from:
  • Driving a vehicle (as your insurance will be void), or cycling.
  • Using electrical equipment, cooking, or operating machinery.
  • Providing care for children or dependent adults.
  • Making important decisions or signing important documents.
  • Consuming alcohol, sleeping tablets, tobacco, or recreational drugs.
  • Performing any complicated tasks or going to work.

While we do not anticipate any complications, if you have any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem, please contact your sedationist or our office for assistance. Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities.

Top 7 Tips for After Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy at The Smile Hub Clinic often requires multiple appointments, even if the initial pain has subsided. Follow these tips to ensure proper care after your procedure:

1. Allow numbness to wear off: Since anesthesia is used, parts of your mouth may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing or consuming hot and cold drinks until the numbness has completely worn off.
2. Temporary filling care: Between appointments, a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth. It’s normal for a small portion of the filling to wear away or break off. However, if the entire filling falls out, contact the clinic to schedule a replacement.
3. Manage discomfort: It’s normal to experience some discomfort for a few days after the root canal procedure. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them as directed, even if infection symptoms disappear. Taking ibuprofen before the numbness wears off can help reduce post-operative pain.
4. Protect the tooth and filling: Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, such as gum, and try to chew on the other side of your mouth to protect the tooth and keep the temporary filling in place.
5. Maintain oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing as usual. Typically, the final step in a root canal treatment is the placement of a crown and permanent filling on the tooth. A crown provides protection against future tooth fractures.
6. Follow instructions for further procedures: If instructed, return for additional appointments, even if the pain has subsided. It may be necessary to complete the root canal therapy.
7. Contact the practice for concerns: If you experience swelling, increasing pain, or have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the practice for assistance.

By following these tips and seeking further guidance when needed, you can ensure proper care and maximize the success of your root canal therapy.

Aftercare Tips for Profhilo Treatment

Profhilo is known for its low risk of bruising or marks due to the use of small needles. To ensure optimal results and minimize any potential complications, follow these aftercare instructions:

1. Care for the treated area: After your Profhilo treatment, it’s important to take proper care of the treated area. Follow any specific instructions provided by your practitioner regarding post-treatment care.
2. Avoid intense exercise: For the first 48 hours following the treatment, it is recommended to avoid engaging in intense exercise. This can help reduce the risk of swelling or excessive movement in the treated area.
3. Steer clear of certain activities: To promote optimal healing and prevent potential complications, avoid sun beds, saunas, facials, and steam rooms for a period of two weeks after the treatment. These activities can increase the risk of inflammation or infection in the treated area.
4. Consider Haenkenium cream: Profhilo offers a Haenkenium cream that is recommended to enhance the beautiful results of the treatment. This cream may provide additional nourishment and hydration to the skin, helping to maintain the desired outcome.

By following these aftercare tips and adhering to any personalised instructions provided by your practitioner, you can help ensure the best possible results from your Profhilo treatment. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your practitioner for guidance.

Aftercare Tips for Treatment

Following your treatment, you can generally resume your day-to-day activities without any significant downtime. However, to achieve the best possible results and ensure the treatment’s effectiveness, it is essential to follow these aftercare guidelines:

1. Keep target muscles active: For a few hours after the treatment, it is recommended to keep the target muscles active. This helps the treatment to settle properly and ensures optimal results. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on how to engage and activate the treated muscles during this period.
2. Avoid extremes of heat or cold: To protect the treated area and avoid any potential adverse effects, it is advisable to avoid extremes of heat or cold for a certain period after the treatment. This includes avoiding hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, or applying ice packs directly to the treated area. Maintaining a moderate temperature will help the treatment settle smoothly.
3. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours: Engaging in vigorous exercise or strenuous physical activities immediately after the treatment may affect the results. It is recommended to avoid such activities for at least 24 hours to allow the treatment to properly take effect and reduce the risk of complications.
4. Avoid lying down or leaning over: To prevent the migration of the treatment substance and ensure its appropriate distribution, it is advised to avoid lying down or leaning over for 4-6 hours after the treatment. This precautionary measure helps maintain the desired results.

During your appointment, your healthcare provider will provide comprehensive advice tailored to your specific treatment and needs. It is important to carefully follow their instructions to maximise the benefits of the treatment and minimise any potential risks. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Aftercare Guidelines for Skin Treatment

Congratulations on your skin treatment! To ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery, please follow these aftercare guidelines:

DO’s:

1. Use HG lift and Rescue products: Your practitioner will provide you with HG lift and Rescue products. Use the remaining HG lift after treatment and the Rescue product on the day following treatment to calm and soothe the skin.
2. Resume normal skincare: After 24 hours, you can resume your normal skincare routine. However, note that the skin may feel tight and dehydrated during this time.
3. Protect from the sun: Avoid sun exposure on the day of treatment and for the following 24 hours. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50 and continue to protect your skin from direct sunlight to maximize long-term results.
4. Maintain cleanliness: Ensure your bed has a clean pillowcase and use clean towels to avoid any potential infection.

DON’Ts:

1. Avoid unnecessary touching: Refrain from touching the treated area immediately after treatment to prevent post-treatment infection.
2. Postpone makeup application: Wait for 24 hours before applying any makeup to the treated area.
3. Avoid harsh products: For 24-48 hours after treatment, avoid using harsh perfumed, astringent, AHA, or alcohol-containing products in the treated area.
4. Stay away from chlorinated water: Refrain from swimming or exposing the treated area to chlorinated water for 4-5 days after treatment.
5. Limit heavy exercise: Avoid engaging in intense exercise sessions for 24-48 hours after treatment to allow for proper healing.
6. Coordinate with other treatments: Avoid undergoing any other clinical treatments for 1-4 weeks after treatment. Consult your practitioner for specific advice on combining treatments or starting new ones.
7. Delay shaving or after-shave products: Avoid shaving or using any after-shave products on the treated area for 12-48 hours after treatment.
8. Prevent pet licking: Do not allow pets to lick the treated area, as this can lead to infection.

Please follow these guidelines to ensure a successful recovery and achieve the best results from your skin treatment. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your practitioner.

Dermapen™ Clinical Procedure Aftercare Instructions

Thank you for undergoing the Dermapen™ clinical procedure. To ensure proper healing and minimise any potential complications, please follow these aftercare instructions:

1. Minor skin reactions: During the healing process, you may experience minor itching, hives, flaking, or redness. If these symptoms persist, please contact your Dermapen™ practitioner for further guidance.
2. Avoid picking, squeezing, or agitating: Refrain from picking or squeezing the treated area during the recovery period. It is essential to allow the skin to heal naturally.
3. Activities to avoid for up to 2 days: Please avoid the following activities for up to 2 days following the Dermapen™ clinical procedure:
   • Direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or solariums.
   • Intensive cardio, exercise, or gymnasium regimens.
   • Excessively hot showers, baths, spas, or saunas.
   • Spray tanning or self-tanning products.
   • Swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean.
   • Tattooing, including cosmetic tattooing.
   • Any further clinical treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser, intense pulsed light, chemical peels, muscle relaxant injections, and dermal fillers should be avoided for up to two weeks.
4. Avoid certain active resurfacing ingredients: Refrain from using skin care products containing the following active resurfacing ingredients for up to 5 days after the Dermapen™ clinical procedure:
   • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, or malic acid.
   • Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) including salicylic acid.
   • Benzoyl peroxide.
   • Retinoids such as tretinoin, retinol, and retinaldehyde.
   • Hydroquinone.
   • High levels of Kojic or azelaic acid.
   • Alcohol, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, or rubbing alcohol.

By adhering to these aftercare instructions, you will promote optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications. If you have any concerns or questions during the recovery period, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Dermapen™ practitioner for assistance.