This document provides detailed guidelines for patients on how to properly care for and use their oral appliance. Key instructions include:

• Cleaning: Rinse the appliance with hot tap water (never over 150 degrees F) after wearing and use a soft toothbrush with natural toothpaste for cleaning, especially the metal hook chamber.
• AM Aligner Use: Utilize the pink AM ALIGNER every morning after removing the oral appliance to help reset the bite, rinsing it only with cold tap water to prevent distortion.
• Soaking: Do not soak the appliance in mouthwash like Listerine or Scope; natural mouthwash can be used for 5-10 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse.
• Storage & Key Care: Keep the oral appliance in a cool environment (never in a hot car/trunk or checked airplane baggage) to prevent distortion, and keep the adjustment key dry to prevent rust.
• Pet Safety: Keep the appliance out of reach of dogs and cats, as they are prone to chewing or hiding them, and the office is not responsible for loss due to pet damage (noting it is an “$1,800.00 dog bone”).
• Patient Adjustment: Patients are guided to slowly advance the lower jaw by turning the key to the left (180 degrees initially, then gradually with comfort) to diminish snoring and improve symptoms. Discomfort and pain are not part of this treatment, and patients should adjust back if discomfort occurs.
• Morning Setting: Always return the adjustable hook setting to zero in the morning by turning the key to the right until slight tension is felt.
• Appointments & Contact: Patients are instructed to always bring their appliance to every appointment and to contact the office immediately if they have questions or experience discomfort.