Aftercare
Instructions

About Local Anesthesia

1. 01

   Local anesthesia used during treatment may last about 2–4 hours, depending on the individual.

2. 02

   Until the anesthesia has completely worn off, avoid eating, as you may accidentally bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

3. 03

   Numbness, reduced sensation, stiffness, pain, or discomfort in the anesthetized area may occur temporarily.

Possible Symptoms and Precautions After Treatment

1. 01

   Sensitivity, throbbing, or discomfort when chewing in the treated area may occur temporarily.

2. 02

   Because your mouth was open for a long time during treatment, you may feel stiffness in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles, or discomfort when opening your mouth.

3. 03

   Most symptoms improve over time, but please contact us if they persist or worsen.

4. 04

   On the day of treatment, avoid chewing forcefully on the treated area.

5. 05

   Avoid frequently touching the treated area with your tongue or hands.

6. 06

   Please care for the treated area as instructed during your visit.

Medication

1. 01

   Take prescribed medication according to the directed dosage and schedule.

2. 02

   If you experience a rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or any other adverse reaction after taking the medication, stop taking it and contact us.

When to Contact Us

If you experience any of the following, please call us first and visit as instructed.

1. 01

   Pain that keeps getting worse

2. 02

   Bleeding that does not stop

3. 03

   Severe swelling or pus

4. 04

   Fever or flu-like aches

5. 05

   Continued discomfort in the treated area, or the bite feels high when chewing

6. 06

   A crown, temporary tooth, or orthodontic appliance has come off or broken

7. 07

   Any other questions or concerns after treatment

Appointments and Follow-up

1. 01

   If a follow-up check is needed, please visit on your scheduled appointment date.

2. 02

   If you need to change your appointment, please contact us in advance.

1. 01

   You may feel slight discomfort due to the medication or the rubber dam (a device used to protect the tooth during treatment) used during root canal treatment.

2. 02

   The temporary filling placed during root canal treatment is not permanent and may come off or break. If the temporary filling comes out, please contact us.

3. 03

   As the anesthesia wears off after root canal treatment, you may feel soreness or pain for a few days. Take pain relievers if needed.

4. 04

   Depending on the degree of inflammation, the treated area may swell or pain may persist. If pain is severe despite pain relievers, or if swelling develops, please contact us and visit the clinic.

5. 05

   A tooth undergoing root canal treatment is weakened and may fracture. Avoid chewing with that tooth until treatment is complete and the crown (final restoration) is placed. Normal chewing is possible after the final restoration is completed.

6. 06

   Root canal treatment may require several visits depending on the condition of the tooth, and generally involves 3–4 or more sessions. The number of visits and treatment period may vary depending on the tooth.

7. 07

   You may feel discomfort when chewing for about 1–2 weeks after root canal treatment. In most cases, this gradually improves over time.

8. 08

   Results of root canal treatment may vary depending on the condition of the tooth, the degree of inflammation, and the remaining tooth structure, and success cannot be guaranteed in every case. In particular, if the tooth has a crack or insufficient remaining tooth structure, the prognosis may be poor and additional treatment may be needed afterward.

1. 01

   If anesthesia was used, avoid eating until it has completely worn off (about 2–3 hours), and be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

2. 02

   With resin, you can eat normally right after treatment, but avoid very hard or sticky foods on the day of treatment. With G.I, please be careful when eating for about 1 hour until the material has fully set.

3. 03

   You may experience temporary sensitivity or slight discomfort when chewing after treatment, which usually improves over time. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have pain even at rest, inflammation of the pulp (nerve) may have progressed, so please visit us for an examination.

4. 04

   If the filling feels high or uncomfortable when chewing, do not try to get used to it. Please contact us and visit for an examination.

5. 05

   Resin and G.I are not permanent materials. Fillings may wear, chip, or come out if a large part of the tooth was removed, the remaining tooth is weak, you have a habit of grinding or clenching, or you frequently eat hard or tough foods. If a filling comes out or breaks, please visit us as soon as possible.

6. 06

   Even after a filling, wear or tiny gaps may develop over time at the border between the filling and the tooth, and discoloration or new decay can occur if oral hygiene is insufficient. It is important to keep caring for the filled area with proper brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups and scaling.

7. 07

   Fillings restore damaged teeth but do not return the tooth completely to its original state. Teeth with deep decay, repeatedly replaced restorations, cracks, or little remaining tooth structure may have a poor prognosis and may need further treatment such as root canal treatment or a crown in the future.

1. 01

   Avoid eating until the anesthesia has completely worn off (about 2–3 hours), and be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

2. 02

   On the day the restoration is cemented, avoid very hard, tough, or sticky foods. It is best to chew on the opposite side for about 24 hours until the cement has fully set.

3. 03

   You may experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort when chewing after treatment. This is a normal reaction as the tooth adapts. It usually improves over time, but please visit us if symptoms persist or worsen.

4. 04

   If the restoration feels high or uncomfortable when chewing, do not try to get used to it. Please contact us and visit for a bite adjustment. Leaving a high bite for a long time can strain the tooth, the restoration, or the jaw joint.

5. 05

   Teeth with deep decay or extensive preparation may develop inflammation of the pulp (nerve) after treatment. Even a tooth with no symptoms before treatment may become sensitive or painful afterward, and root canal treatment may be needed if symptoms persist or worsen.

6. 06

   Restorations are attached with dental cement but are not guaranteed never to come off. They may come off due to the condition of the tooth and restoration, the shape of the preparation, grinding or clenching habits, or frequent eating of hard or sticky foods.

7. 07

   Prosthetic treatment restores and protects damaged teeth but does not make them stronger than before. Teeth with little remaining structure, cracks, or repeated treatment may fracture, or the restoration may break, during chewing. Please avoid hard foods as much as possible. Grinding or clenching habits may shorten the lifespan of the restoration and tooth.

8. 08

   Even after prosthetic treatment, decay can still occur. Over time, wear or tiny gaps may form at the cemented area, and with insufficient oral hygiene the restoration may come off or new decay may develop at the border between the restoration and the tooth. Ongoing care with proper brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups and scaling is necessary.

9. 09

   Restorations may wear, lose adhesion, fracture, or come off with use. Their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, bite, eating habits, and whether you grind your teeth, and re-cementation or remaking may be needed.

10. 10

    Teeth with deep decay, repeatedly replaced restorations, cracks, or little remaining structure may have a poor prognosis after treatment and may later need root canal treatment, a new restoration, or extraction. This is not a problem with the treatment itself but an outcome that may occur depending on the extent of damage and the biological characteristics of the tooth.

11. 11

    The condition of the tooth and restoration may change over time. It is important to check the fit, bonding, bite, and any new decay through regular check-ups. Detecting and treating problems early helps you keep your teeth longer.

Temporary Teeth

1. 01

   A temporary tooth protects the tooth and maintains the gum shape until the final restoration is made. It is bonded more weakly than the final restoration and may come off.

2. 02

   While using a temporary tooth, avoid sticky foods such as gum, taffy, caramel, and rice cakes, and hard or tough foods such as ice, dried squid, and nuts. Chew on the opposite side whenever possible.

3. 03

   If the temporary tooth comes off, don't panic. Keep it and contact us to visit as soon as possible. Going without a temporary tooth for a long time can cause the teeth to shift or the gum shape to change, so the final restoration may not fit well.

4. 04

   Food easily gets stuck around temporary teeth, so keep the area clean by brushing as usual. When flossing, do not pull the floss upward; slide it out sideways slowly. Pulling upward may dislodge the temporary tooth.

5. 05

   If the temporary tooth feels high, uncomfortable, or painful when chewing, do not try to get used to it. Please contact us and visit for a check.

6. 06

   Temporary teeth are not designed for long-term use, so it is important to have the final restoration placed on your scheduled date.

1. 01

   Until the anesthesia has completely worn off (about 2–3 hours), be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue, and do not eat while the area is still numb.

2. 02

   Keep biting firmly on the gauze for about 2 hours after extraction. It is better to swallow saliva or blood rather than spit it out. A little blood mixed with saliva is a normal part of healing. If bleeding continues after removing the gauze, fold a new clean piece of gauze, place it on the extraction site, and apply pressure for another 1–2 hours.

3. 03

   On the day of extraction, avoid hot or spicy foods and eat soft, lukewarm foods. Chew on the side opposite the extraction site.

4. 04

   For 24 hours after extraction, avoid anything that puts pressure on the extraction site, such as using a straw, spitting forcefully, or rinsing vigorously. If the blood clot comes off, bleeding may increase or pain may worsen.

5. 05

   Take your prescribed medication as directed. If you have pain, you may take an additional pain reliever such as Tylenol. Please check that it does not duplicate any medication you are currently taking.

6. 06

   For a few days after extraction, you may have pain, swelling, stiffness around the jaw, or limited mouth opening, which usually improve gradually.

7. 07

   Swelling may increase for 2–3 days after extraction. Apply cold compresses mainly on the day of extraction for 1–2 days, and afterward as needed.

8. 08

   Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 1 week to 1 month after extraction. Smoking interferes with blood circulation, delays healing of the extraction site, and can increase the risk of dry socket.

9. 09

   On the day of extraction, avoid touching the site directly with your toothbrush. Afterward, keep the surrounding teeth and gums clean and follow the oral care instructions you were given.

10. 10

    Please contact us if you have severe pain that persists or worsens, severe swelling, pus, fever, or continuous bleeding after extraction.

11. 11

    Recovery time varies depending on your condition and the difficulty of the extraction. If uncomfortable symptoms persist or you have any concerns during recovery, please contact us and we will guide you.

After Scaling

1. 01

   After scaling, your gums may bleed temporarily or your teeth may feel sensitive, which usually resolves soon.

2. 02

   On the day of scaling, it is best to avoid very hot, cold, or spicy foods.

3. 03

   Even if your gums bleed, brush gently to maintain oral hygiene.

4. 04

   After scaling, the gaps between your teeth may feel wider or your teeth may look longer. This is a normal change as areas previously covered by tartar are exposed.

5. 05

   If tartar buildup and gum inflammation were severe, you may experience more bleeding or sensitivity temporarily.

After Gum Treatment

1. 01

   After gum treatment, your gums may be temporarily swollen or bleed, and your teeth may feel sensitive or uncomfortable.

2. 02

   On the day of treatment, avoid very hot, cold, spicy, or irritating foods and eat soft foods.

3. 03

   If anesthesia was used, be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue and do not eat hot foods until it has completely worn off.

4. 04

   A small amount of bleeding from the gums may occur after treatment, but it is usually temporary.

5. 05

   Do not stop brushing because of bleeding. Brush the treated area gently as well.

6. 06

   Continue to use floss, interdental brushes, and other oral hygiene products as instructed by our staff.

7. 07

   After treatment, your teeth may feel more sensitive or the gaps between them may seem wider. This can happen as inflamed gums heal and tartar is removed.

8. 08

   After gum treatment, tooth roots may be exposed and sensitivity may increase compared to before. To prevent gum disease from returning, have regular check-ups and scaling and keep up proper oral hygiene.

9. 09

   If medication was prescribed, take it as directed by our staff.

10. 10

    Please contact us if you have severe pain or swelling, continuous bleeding, or increasing discomfort.

1. 01

   After whitening, your teeth may feel temporarily sensitive or tingly. Your teeth may be more sensitive than usual right after whitening; this is usually temporary and eases over time. If sensitivity is severe or persists, please contact us.

2. 02

   If a small amount of whitening agent touches or seeps onto the gums during whitening, the gums may temporarily turn white, sting or burn, become red, or develop minor sores. This usually heals naturally once contact with the agent ends, but it may take a few days depending on gum condition and the degree of contact. If symptoms are severe or persist, please contact us.

3. 03

   Right after whitening, the tooth surface may be temporarily sensitive, so avoid strongly colored foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as coffee, black tea, green tea, wine, curry, chocolate, and cola, as much as possible.

4. 04

   Because your mouth is held open with a retractor for a long time during whitening, you may feel temporary stiffness, fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw joint or surrounding muscles afterward.

5. 05

   Whitening results and how long they last vary depending on your teeth, lifestyle, and diet. The brighter shade is not permanent and may partly return over time due to food, drinks, smoking, and so on. Regular check-ups and additional whitening as needed can help maintain a brighter shade.

6. 06

   Your tooth color is not fixed as the final shade immediately after whitening, and it may look somewhat different right after whitening compared to later. Also, since each tooth has a different original color and degree of staining, not all teeth will brighten to the same degree.

7. 07

   Temporary discomfort may occur depending on the condition of your gums and teeth after whitening, but if pain, gum sores, or severe sensitivity persist or worsen, do not ignore them. Please contact us.

1. 01

   Avoid hard and chewy foods (dried squid, peanuts, caramel, gum, ribs, etc.) and eat mainly soft foods for the time being. Do not force chewing on the painful side or chew on one side only; cut food into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides.

2. 02

   Avoid repeatedly checking your jaw joint, such as forcing your mouth wide open or moving your jaw from side to side. Be careful not to open your mouth too wide when yawning.

3. 03

   In cold weather, the jaw joint and surrounding muscles may tense up, so keep your face and jaw warm and avoid sudden exposure to cold wind.

4. 04

   Check whether you clench your back teeth when concentrating, when tense, or unconsciously, and try to avoid clenching or putting force on your jaw.

5. 05

   When your jaw is at rest, the tip of your tongue should lightly touch the roof of your mouth just behind your upper front teeth, and your upper and lower teeth should not touch.

6. 06

   Resting your chin on your hand or supporting your jaw to one side puts constant pressure on the jaw joint, so avoid it and try to maintain good posture.

7. 07

   When sitting, sit deep in a chair with a backrest and lean your back against it. Straighten your back and chest and relax your neck and shoulders.

8. 08

   Sleeping face down presses on the jaw and strains the muscles around the neck and jaw, so it is best avoided. If you sleep on your side, make sure your jaw is not pressed against the pillow and sleep in as comfortable a position as possible.

9. 09

   Excessive stress can cause clenching or grinding, so get enough rest and sleep and try to relieve stress in healthy ways.

10. 10

    Please do the following self-care at home: warm compresses (2–3 times a day, 15–20 minutes each), gentle massage of the jaw muscles, mouth-opening and jaw exercises within the range instructed by our staff, and neck stretches. Stop if pain increases or your jaw feels strained during exercise or massage.

11. 11

    If jaw pain or clicking persists, or if you have difficulty opening your mouth, a feeling that your jaw is catching or about to dislocate, or swelling, do not ignore these symptoms. Please visit us for an examination.

1. 01

   A night guard protects your teeth and jaw joint. It does not completely stop grinding or clenching, but it helps prevent tooth wear and fractures.

2. 02

   When you first wear it, you may feel a foreign-body sensation or produce more saliva. Most people adjust after wearing it for a while, so please keep wearing it even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

3. 03

   After first wearing it, your teeth may feel sore or your jaw uncomfortable. Mild discomfort can occur during adjustment, but please contact us if pain is severe or persists.

4. 04

   Do not chew food while wearing the appliance, as it may deform or break. Brush your teeth before putting it on at bedtime and remove it when you wake up.

5. 05

   After removing the appliance, clean it thoroughly under running water using a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water, as it can deform the appliance.

6. 06

   It is best not to clean the appliance with toothpaste, as the abrasives in toothpaste can cause fine scratches on its surface. Clean it with an appliance cleaner or mild dish soap.

7. 07

   When not in use, keep it in its case. Wrapping it in a tissue or towel can lead to losing it or accidentally throwing it away.

8. 08

   If you do not wear the appliance for a long time, it may no longer fit, because your teeth may shift slightly or the appliance may deform. Please wear it consistently.

9. 09

   If the appliance becomes loose or too tight, do not adjust it yourself. Do not grind or reshape it; visit us for an adjustment.

10. 10

    If the appliance breaks or deforms, stop using it and contact us. Continuing to wear a damaged appliance may irritate your teeth or gums.

11. 11

    If you receive new restorations such as crowns, inlays, or onlays in the future, the appliance may no longer fit. If the shape of your restorations or your bite changes, the existing night guard may need to be adjusted or remade.

12. 12

    Check the appliance regularly. Depending on how much you grind, it may wear down, so have its wear and your bite checked at regular check-ups.

1. 01

   When you first wear dentures, you may feel a foreign-body sensation, have difficulty speaking, or produce more saliva, but these usually ease as you adjust.

2. 02

   Start with soft foods, cut food into small pieces, and chew slowly. Be careful with tough, hard, or sticky foods, as they may dislodge or damage the dentures.

3. 03

   Do not chew on one side only; use both sides as evenly as possible.

4. 04

   Unless otherwise instructed, it is best to remove your dentures while sleeping so your gums can rest.

5. 05

   After removing your dentures, clean both the dentures and your gums thoroughly. Gently brush your gums and tongue as well to maintain oral hygiene.

6. 06

   Clean dentures with a denture cleanser and a soft brush. Do not use regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface, and do not soak them in hot or boiling water.

7. 07

   Be careful not to drop your dentures when cleaning or removing them. Cleaning them over a sink filled with water or a towel helps prevent breakage if they fall.

8. 08

   When not wearing your dentures for a long time, keep them in water or a denture storage solution so they do not dry out. Follow the product instructions when using cleansers or storage solutions.

9. 09

   If your dentures do not fit well, become loose, or press on or hurt your gums, do not adjust them yourself or keep using them. Please visit us.

10. 10

    If your dentures break or crack, do not glue or repair them yourself. Visit us to have them checked.

11. 11

    The fit of dentures can change over time as your gums and jawbone change. Even without discomfort, it is best to visit regularly to have your dentures and oral condition checked.

12. 12

    When using dentures for the first time or switching to new ones, speaking or chewing may be uncomfortable during the adjustment period. If discomfort persists or pain is severe, please visit us.

1. 01

   Until the anesthesia has completely worn off (about 2–3 hours), be careful not to bite your lips, cheeks, or tongue, and do not eat while the area is still numb.

2. 02

   Keep biting firmly on the gauze for about 2 hours after surgery. It is better to swallow saliva or blood rather than spit it out. If bleeding continues after removing the gauze, fold a new clean piece of gauze, place it on the surgical site, and apply pressure for another 1–2 hours. A little blood mixed with saliva is a normal part of healing.

3. 03

   For 1–2 days after surgery, avoid hot or spicy foods and eat soft, lukewarm foods. Chew on the side opposite the surgical site.

4. 04

   After surgery, avoid anything that puts pressure on the surgical site, such as using a straw, spitting forcefully, or rinsing vigorously. If the blood clot comes off, bleeding may increase or pain may worsen.

5. 05

   Take your prescribed medication as directed. If you have pain, you may take an additional pain reliever such as Tylenol. Please check that it does not duplicate any medication you are currently taking.

6. 06

   For a few days after surgery, you may have pain, swelling, stiffness around the jaw, or limited mouth opening, which usually improve gradually.

7. 07

   Swelling may increase for 2–3 days after surgery. Apply cold compresses mainly on the day of surgery for 1–2 days, and afterward as needed.

8. 08

   Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 1 week to 1 month after surgery. Smoking interferes with blood circulation, delays healing of the surgical site, and can increase the risk of dry socket.

9. 09

   For one week after surgery, rinse the surgical site with the antiseptic mouthwash and brush other areas gently.

10. 10

    The implant cap visible on the gum at the surgical site may come off during daily life. If it does, don't be alarmed. Contact us and visit the clinic.

11. 11

    Please contact us if you have severe pain that persists or worsens, severe swelling, pus, fever, or continuous bleeding after surgery.

12. 12

    Recovery time varies depending on your condition and the difficulty of the surgery. If uncomfortable symptoms persist or you have any concerns during recovery, please contact us and we will guide you.

Bone Graft

1. 01

   For a few days after surgery, the area may feel swollen and small amounts of bone graft granules may come out into your mouth. This is a natural release of some graft material and is usually not a problem.

2. 02

   Do not touch or repeatedly check the surgical site with your tongue or fingers, and avoid vigorous brushing or other irritation.

3. 03

   If large amounts of graft granules keep coming out, or if you have heavy bleeding, pain, swelling, or pus, please contact us.

4. 04

   New bone takes time to form stably, so please attend your scheduled visits to check progress.

Sinus Lift

1. 01

   After surgery, avoid blowing your nose hard or sniffling.

2. 02

   If you need to cough or sneeze, do so with your mouth open as much as possible to avoid putting pressure on the sinus.

3. 03

   Avoid activities that greatly increase pressure in the mouth, such as using a straw or blowing up balloons.

4. 04

   When sleeping, use about two pillows to keep your head higher than your heart. This helps reduce swelling and bleeding.

5. 05

   While the area connected to the sinus heals, you may temporarily have nasal congestion, minor nosebleeds, or blood-tinged nasal discharge.

6. 06

   Rarely, a perforation of the sinus membrane may occur or be found after surgery. In this case, additional treatment may be needed.

7. 07

   If water feels like it is leaking into your nose when drinking, or if you have persistent nosebleeds, severe congestion, or severe pain or swelling, contact us immediately.

1. 01
   Oral hygiene around the implant crown

   As with natural teeth, hygiene around implant crowns greatly affects their long-term success. Implants do not get cavities, but without proper care, inflammation can develop in the gums around the implant (peri-implantitis). If it progresses, the bone supporting the implant can be lost, and the implant may become loose or need to be removed.

2. 02
   Use interdental brushes and floss

   Implant crowns are shaped differently from natural teeth, so food easily gets trapped between the crown and gums or between implants. Since a regular toothbrush alone may not be enough, please use interdental brushes of the recommended size and floss to keep the area around the implant and under the crown clean.

3. 03
   Visit us if food gets trapped or the crown has a problem

   If food keeps getting trapped, the crown feels loose, or the crown comes off, do not continue using it. Be sure to visit us for a check.

4. 04
   Managing inflammation around the implant

   Bleeding, swelling, pain, pus, or bad odor around the implant may be signs of inflammation, so do not ignore them. Contact us and visit the clinic. Symptoms may be mild at first, so regular check-ups are important.

5. 05
   Adjustment period after crown placement

   If you have gone without a tooth for a long time, chewing may feel unfamiliar or it may be hard to control your bite force at first. Start with soft foods and get used to chewing gradually. You may also bite your cheek or feel discomfort temporarily while eating on a side you have not used, so please be careful during the adjustment period.

6. 06
   Be careful with hard and tough foods

   In the early period after crown placement, the crown and surrounding tissues need time to adapt, so avoid very hard or tough foods as much as possible.

7. 07
   Avoid excessive force

   Unlike natural teeth, implants have no periodontal ligament to cushion impact, so excessive force can be transmitted directly. Strong biting force or repeated impact can affect the bone around the implant, the crown, and the connecting screw, and may cause the crown to fracture or the screw to loosen.

8. 08
   Avoid clenching and unnecessary force

   Avoid habits that put continuous force on the implant other than chewing food, such as clenching, grinding, or resting your chin on your hand. Such habits can shorten the lifespan of the implant and crown.

9. 09
   Temporary discomfort in the opposing tooth

   After the implant crown is placed, the tooth it bites against (the opposing tooth) may feel sore or uncomfortable at first. This can be a temporary adjustment as new force reaches an area that was not used, and it usually improves within 1–2 weeks. However, if pain persists or chewing is difficult, your bite may need to be checked, so please visit us.

10. 10
    Possible loosening of the crown screw

    Implant crowns are secured by an internal connecting screw, which can become loose due to repeated chewing forces or grinding and clenching. If the crown feels loose or wobbly, or if the crown has come off, do not continue using it. Visit us for a check. Using it with a loose screw for a long time can lead to screw fracture or damage to the crown.

11. 11
    Possible fracture or damage of the crown

    Implant crowns do not last forever. Excessive biting force, hard foods, or grinding can cause wear, fracture, or detachment. This may occur depending on the properties of the material and your individual use.

12. 12
    Smoking and implant care

    Smoking affects healing and blood circulation in the tissues around the implant and can increase the risk of inflammation and failure compared to non-smokers. We recommend quitting smoking for the long-term health of your implant.

13. 13
    Importance of regular check-ups

    Maintenance after treatment is very important for implants. Have a check-up at least once every 6 months, and visit immediately if you feel discomfort or notice anything unusual. Regular check-ups to examine the crown, screw tightness, bite, gums, and bone around the implant help your implant last longer. The long-term success of implant treatment depends greatly not only on the treatment itself but also on your care and effort. Keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups.

1. 01
   Treatment Period

   Before starting orthodontic treatment, we will explain the expected treatment period. However, since the rate of tooth movement and jaw growth differs from person to person, treatment may be shorter or longer than the average estimate. Insufficient cooperation in wearing appliances, broken appliances, or missed appointments can also affect the treatment period and make it longer than expected.

2. 02
   Appointments

   After the appliances are placed, you will generally visit once every 3–4 weeks depending on the treatment. If you cannot visit regularly or do not keep your appointment times, unwanted tooth movement or root resorption may occur, the treatment plan may need to be changed, and additional fees may apply.

3. 03
   Changes to the Treatment Plan

   During treatment, the plan may change due to individual tissue responses, insufficient cooperation, undesirable tooth movement, obstacles to tooth movement, unexpected jaw growth, or technical difficulties, and additional fees may apply.

4. 04
   Facial Asymmetry

   Most people have slight facial asymmetry. For patients with severe skeletal disharmony, improvement is possible only with orthodontic treatment combined with surgery. Skeletal problems such as asymmetry are difficult to resolve with orthodontics alone, so be sure to consult your orthodontist.

5. 05
   Appliance Care

   Orthodontic appliances are bonded with appropriate strength so they can be removed without damaging the teeth when treatment is finished. Avoid very hard or tough foods so that appliances do not come off or break. If appliances come off, treatment may take longer. Also, if appliances are broken or lost, you will need to pay additional costs for new ones.

6. 06
   Orthodontic Mini-Screws

   When absolute anchorage is needed during treatment, small screw-shaped orthodontic mini-screws may be placed in the jawbone. They can loosen and fall out due to gum inflammation, poor hygiene, or low bone density, so please be sure to tell your doctor or staff if you feel any discomfort.

7. 07
   Additional Treatment

   If cavities develop during orthodontic treatment, treatment other than orthodontics may be needed, and you will be responsible for the additional cost.

8. 08
   Your Cooperation

   Some stages of treatment require your cooperation, such as changing rubber bands or wearing appliances for a certain number of hours per day. Without sufficient cooperation, treatment will take longer and good results cannot be achieved.

9. 09
   Oral Hygiene

   With orthodontic appliances, food gets trapped easily, so if care is neglected, white spots (demineralization of the tooth surface) or cavities may form and gums may become swollen or inflamed. Cavities or gum problems caused by poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment will be treated in the relevant department at additional time and cost. Please pay special attention to brushing during orthodontic treatment.

10. 10
    Pain During Treatment

    You may feel some pain in your teeth for the first few days after starting orthodontic treatment, but it gradually decreases. If pain persists, you may take pain relievers after consulting your doctor.

11. 11
    Jaw Joint Pain

    Temporary jaw joint discomfort may occur during treatment, and treatment may be paused temporarily, so be sure to tell your doctor. If you have these symptoms, avoiding tough or hard foods and resting can greatly reduce them.

12. 12
    Other Precautions

    During orthodontic treatment, orthodontic force is concentrated on the roots, which may cause the roots to become slightly shorter. If your roots are short to begin with, treatment is carried out slowly with light force to minimize side effects. In addition, as teeth are aligned or gums recede, empty gum spaces between the front teeth (black triangles) may appear. These may look larger if your teeth are triangular in shape. They can be minimized by interproximal reduction, but it may not be possible to eliminate them completely.

13. 13
    Pulp Necrosis

    Rarely, a tooth nerve may die during orthodontic treatment. This usually occurs in teeth that were previously injured or received a physical impact, knowingly or not, so the exact cause may be unknown. With root canal treatment, the tooth can be used normally.

14. 14
    Injury from Appliances

    Take special care when using extraoral appliances (headgear, face mask, etc.). Be careful not to injure your face, especially your eyes, when putting them on or taking them off. Avoid strenuous exercise while wearing such appliances.

15. 15
    Ceramic Brackets

    Ceramic is a very hard, glass-like material, so it can break and may cause wear or fracture of the teeth. Please be careful.

16. 16
    Relapse and Changes After Treatment

    After orthodontic treatment is completed, you must take good care of your fixed retainer and wear your removable retainer to keep your aligned teeth in place. If you do not wear the retainer as instructed, your teeth will move back toward their original positions and various side effects may occur.

17. 17
    Regular Visits

    Even after active orthodontic treatment is finished, it is best to visit regularly to check your teeth alignment and keep your mouth clean. Appointments can be made by phone. Regular check-ups (at 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month intervals) require re-registration at the front desk, and separate fees apply for X-rays or for re-bonding or remaking a fixed retainer that has come off.

Treatment Fee Refund Policy

If you are unable to continue orthodontic treatment due to unavoidable circumstances, the refund will be determined according to the following policy.

1. 01
   Brushing

   If brushing is insufficient during orthodontic treatment, cavities or gum inflammation may occur and gums may recede. Once gums recede, they do not grow back, so adult patients in particular should pay close attention to brushing.

2. 02
   Eating Habits

   Please avoid as much as possible hard foods (ice, candy, radish kimchi, etc.), sticky foods (gum, taffy, caramel, etc.), and tough foods (tough meat, dried filefish, dried squid, etc.) that can dislodge appliances or interfere with treatment.

3. 03
   Pain After First Placement

   After the appliances are first placed, or after the orthodontic wire is changed or adjusted, your teeth may be very sore overall. In the early stage of treatment, appliances are more likely to come off if you are not careful. The first 2 weeks after placement can be quite difficult, so please bear with it.

4. 04
   Orthodontic Wax

   After placement, the appliances may rub against your cheeks, lips, and tongue and cause sores. If sores make you uncomfortable, use orthodontic wax. (It is best to gradually use less wax as you adjust.)

5. 05
   Pronunciation

   In the early stage of treatment, your speech may be unclear until your cheeks, lips, and tongue adapt. It improves once you adjust, and the time it takes varies from person to person.

6. 06
   Emergency Visits

   Brackets may come off, or the wire may come out or poke you as teeth move during treatment. Please contact us right away and visit the clinic.

1. 01
   Wear for at least 20 hours a day

   Avoid taking the aligners on and off frequently, and wear them for as long as possible.

2. 02
   Wear each stage for 2 weeks

   The wearing period may vary based on your dentist's diagnosis, considering age, sex, tooth alignment, root length and width, alveolar bone, and periodontal disease, but generally each stage is worn for 2 weeks.

3. 03
   Always remove aligners when eating or drinking (anything other than cold water, including hot water, beverages, and food)

   Be sure to remove the aligners when consuming beverages or foods that may stain or contain sugar.

4. 04
   Always brush after eating before putting aligners back in

   After consuming beverages or foods that may stain or contain sugar, be sure to brush before wearing the aligners. (Strongly staining foods such as curry may stain the aligners even after brushing due to residue.)

5. 05
   Clean aligners under running water

   Gently rub the inner and outer surfaces with an aligner brush to clean them. Do not sterilize them in boiling water, as this will deform the aligners.

6. 06
   Do not bite aligners into place

   Press the aligners firmly into place with your fingers to wear them correctly.

7. 07
   Use the MagicAlign seater after putting aligners in

   Bite down evenly on the front and back teeth.

8. 08
   Keep used aligners and bring them to your next visit

   Be sure to keep the aligners from the 2–3 stages before your current stage. They may be needed if an aligner is lost or broken.

9. 09
   Wear your latest aligners when visiting the clinic

   Be sure to wear the aligners of the last stage you received when you visit. If you stop wearing them because you have finished the set, your teeth may move back and treatment time will increase.

10. 10
    New aligners may cause pain for about a week

    If pain is severe, we recommend an acetaminophen pain reliever (Tylenol). If extreme pain persists, be sure to contact us and visit the clinic.

11. 11
    Food may get trapped as teeth move

    Food may get trapped especially if the spaces between teeth were trimmed to make room for tooth movement.

12. 12
    Attachments (such as buttons) may come off

    They may come off due to force applied when putting on or removing aligners. Please let us know at your next visit.

1. 01

   Eat after the anesthesia has worn off. On the day of placement, avoid very hot, hard, or tough foods.

2. 02

   Keep the area around the screw clean. You may brush, but clean gently around the screw without scrubbing hard.

3. 03

   Do not touch or wiggle the screw with your fingers or tongue. If the screw feels loose or about to come out, do not touch it. Contact us.

4. 04

   Mild pain or a foreign-body sensation may occur. Temporary pain or discomfort after placement is normal. If you were prescribed medication, take it as directed.

5. 05

   A small amount of bleeding may occur. If bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze for 10–20 minutes.

6. 06

   Please contact us if you experience the following:

   • The screw is loose or has come out
   • Pain or swelling keeps getting worse
   • Continuous bleeding or pus around the screw
   • Any other ongoing discomfort
7. 07

   Hygiene around the screw is important, so clean carefully to prevent food and plaque from building up.

1. 01

   Your teeth may feel pressed or sore. After the rubber rings are placed, you may feel pressure or mild pain, which is a normal reaction.

2. 02

   Do not touch or remove the rubber rings with your fingers or tongue. Be careful not to let them come out.

3. 03

   Avoid hard, tough, or sticky foods. In particular, avoid gum, jelly, and caramel, as they may pull out the rubber rings.

4. 04

   Brush as usual. Keep the area around the rings clean, but do not force them or put floss between the rings.

5. 05

   If a rubber ring comes out, do not put it back yourself. Contact us. Your appointment may be rescheduled depending on when it came out.

6. 06

   Please contact us in the following cases:

   • Pain is very severe or keeps getting worse
   • Gums are very swollen or bleeding continues
   • Rubber rings keep coming out
7. 07

   It is important to keep the rubber rings in place until your scheduled MSE appliance placement.

1. 01

   Activate the expander exactly as many times and in the way instructed by your doctor.

2. 02

   To prevent the appliance from deforming or coming off, avoid hard foods such as ice, nuts, and candy, tough foods such as dried squid and beef jerky, and sticky foods such as gum and caramel.

3. 03

   Brush thoroughly after meals so that no food remains around or under the appliance. Interdental brushes or a water flosser may be used as needed.

4. 04

   Do not repeatedly touch or push the appliance with your tongue or fingers. If the appliance is loose or lifting, do not adjust it yourself. Contact us.

5. 05

   During expansion, you may feel soreness in the teeth and palate, pressure around the nose or cheekbones, temporary difficulty with speech, discomfort when chewing, or a gap opening between the front teeth.

6. 06

   Contact us if you have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus around the appliance, or if pain is severe and persistent.

7. 07

   If the appliance comes off or deforms, or expansion does not work properly, do not keep activating it. Contact us. If you will visit later than your scheduled appointment, activate it only for the prescribed period, then stop and visit us.

Removable Retainer

1. 01

   Be sure to wear it for the hours instructed by our clinic.

2. 02

   When not wearing it, keep it in its case. Wrapping it in a tissue or napkin often leads to losing it or throwing it away.

3. 03

   We recommend not eating while wearing the retainer.

4. 04

   After removing it, rinse it under running water and gently clean it with a soft toothbrush.

5. 05

   Do not soak or boil it in hot water, as it may deform.

6. 06

   Using toothpaste to clean the retainer can scratch its surface, so please be careful.

7. 07

   If the retainer breaks, deforms, or does not fit well, do not adjust it yourself. Contact us.

8. 08

   If you go without wearing it for a long time, your teeth may move and the retainer may no longer fit. If you have any problem wearing it, please visit as soon as possible.

Fixed Retainer

1. 01

   The retainer is bonded to the inside of your teeth, so do not touch it with your tongue or pull it with your fingers.

2. 02

   Be careful with hard or tough foods, as they may cause the retainer to come off or deform.

3. 03

   Food easily gets trapped around the retainer, so clean carefully with floss and interdental brushes.

4. 04

   When brushing, thoroughly clean the inner surfaces of the teeth where the retainer is attached.

5. 05

   If any part of the retainer comes off or the wire bends, do not remove it yourself. Contact us.

6. 06

   If the retainer is left detached for a long time, your teeth may move, so please visit as soon as possible.

7. 07

   Even if the retainer is properly attached, have its bonding and your teeth alignment checked at regular check-ups.