A tooth positioner is a removable, silicone appliance used to fit the upper and lower teeth together correctly and help ensure that the jaw joints are positioned properly in their sockets. The resulting bite is superior to one achieved with braces alone and is critical for optimal results.

Benefits of a Tooth Positioner:

• Optimizes bite correction (function)
• Coordinates bite with proper jaw joint position
• Improves bite stability
• More effective than braces alone
• Reduces gum inflammation following brace removal

How Does It Work?
Due to pressure from braces, the teeth are slightly loose following brace removal. As the positioner is worn, the teeth and jaw joints are guided to their ideal positions. Overtime, the gums and bones tighten around the newly positioned teeth. To be effective, the positioner should be worn 24 hours for 1-2 weeks and then for 12-16 hours each day for 6-10 weeks. Following positioner wear, impressions of the teeth in their final position are made for retainers.

How Is It Made?

Step 1 (Prior to Brace Removal)

• Archwires removed
• Upper and lower impressions (molds) are made
• Archwires replaced

Step 2 (In Our Laboratory)

• Models of the patient’s teeth are made by pouring plaster into the impressions
• The upper and lower models are placed on a bite stimulator (articulator) with the jaws positioned properly in their sockets
• The models are mailed to a specialized laboratory in California

Step 3 (At The Positioner Laboratory)

• The patient’s upper and lower models are placed back on the bite stimulator
• The technician cuts off all of the upper teeth and carefully resets the teeth in wax to fit perfectly with the lower model
• This procedure is repeated for the lower teeth to “perfect” the bite
• A silicone rubber mouthpiece is formed around the teeth in their new positions to record the proper jaw location and perfected bite
• The tooth positioner and set-up are returned to our office (within 2-6 weeks)

Step 4 (Braces Removal)

• The braces are removed and the teeth are polished
• The patient is given their custom made tooth positioner
• The positioner is worn 24 hours per day (except when eating and brushing) for 2 weeks

• The positioner is then worn for 12-16 hours per day (including sleeping) for 4-6 weeks

Positioner Wear Instructions
The positioner is to be worn as much as possible for the first 1-2 weeks (24 hours per day.) Then, it will need to be worn for 4 hours per day and while sleeping. Typically, positioner wear lasts 2-3 months followed by a set of retainers. It is important to “exercise” your bite with the positioner. This is done by gently clenching or squeezing (DO NOT CHEW) into the positioner and hold for approximately 5-10 seconds. Relax and clench again. If you are wearing the positioner properly, you will probably experience some sore teeth initially. This soreness will usually be relieved with Tylenol or Advil and warm salt water rinses.

Positioner Care Instructions
Brush your positioner each time you brush your teeth. In addition, soaking the appliance in a denture cleanser once a week will help keep it clean. Do not wrap your positioner in a napkin, leave it in direct sunlight, or in a hot car, or place it in hot or boiling water, as this will distort the appliance. When you are not wearing the positioner, place it in its case. Be careful! There will be a charge for the replacement of a damaged or lost positioner.