Orthodontic patient resources
Helpful instructions.
Right when you need them.
Use these handouts as a reminder of the instructions provided by your OSSTL clinical team. If an appliance is painful, damaged or not fitting properly, contact the office for advice specific to your treatment.
Before you download
Your treatment plan comes first.
These resources provide general OSSTL care instructions. Directions from Dr. Shapiro, Dr. Seim or your clinical team take priority because wear schedules and appliance needs differ.
For a broken bracket, poking wire or lost aligner, review our orthodontic emergency guidance. Questions about long-term wear or a missing appliance are covered in the retainer care guide. Patients using clear aligners can also review how Invisalign works, including attachments, tracking and refinements.
Braces and aligner care
Everyday instructions for protecting appliances and keeping treatment moving.
Retainers and removable appliances
Wear, cleaning and handling guidance for removable orthodontic appliances.
Fixed appliances and expanders
Care information for appliances used during growth and bite correction.
Need a person, not a PDF?
Call the office that knows your treatment.
A handout cannot diagnose an unexpected problem. Contact our Creve Coeur team or Sunset Hills office when instructions are unclear or an appliance changes. For everyday food choices with brackets, see our braces food guide.
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