CBJ Problems and Solutions
The "Cantilever Bite Jumper" requires YOUR co-operation with its care. Careful cleaning and monitoring your diet while the CBJ is fixed in the mouth ensures that treatment will be completed on time with healthy teeth and gums. This Problem Sheet will help identify common problems and lend solutions.
Sore Jaw / Aching muscles
It is normal for your jaw muscles to feel strained after the CBJ is inserted. This is because the lower jaw is now being held in a more forward position. The tenderness will usually subside within 2-5 days, but please contact us if symptoms persist. To help with any aching we recommend using an analgesic (pain relief) product that you feel comfortable using. A little perseverance is needed!
Mouth ulceration
When the CBJ is first fitted into your mouth, it will take a while for your cheeks and gums to toughen up. At the start, you may find local irritations and ulceration's may occasionally occur. Most irritation occurs around the lower axle and screw head. In your patient care kit you will have some relief wax, "Zoggs" (a silicon wax) and cotton rolls. To prevent irritation we recommend placing a moistened half cotton roll under the axle screw, held in place by an elastic band when retiring at night. This is usually only required during the first week. The silicon wax "Zoggs" may also be moulded around the CBJ axles during the day, opposite to where the irritation / ulcer occurs. During this time, you should also try to rinse your mouth with a salt-water solution to help heal the irritated area. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ glass very warm water and rinse thoroughly 4 to 8 times each day until the problem has cleared.
Rods coming out of their Sleeves
While you have the CBJ in your mouth, you may find that the pistons may come apart . Do not panic! This occurs when the mouth is opened too wide (e.g. yawning). We recommend placing your hand underneath your chin when yawning to minimize how wide the mouth opens. Extra care is also suggested when chewing hard or chewy items such as steak, apples, raw carrots, etc. It is recommended to cut these difficult foods up into smaller pieces that are easier to manage. Quite often patients themselves or their parents can re-connect the pistons by opening wide enough to reconnect the rod back into the sleeve. If this is not possible you can contact the office and arrange an appointment to re-connect the pistons.
Puffy Gums
It is essential that you keep your teeth and gums 100% clean and healthy while you have your CBJ in. You should have received a small headed toothbrush when your CBJ was first fitted. Brush around all of the screws and crowns on the inside and outside of your teeth and the entire assembly. Unhealthy gums cause swelling which can become uncomfortable for you and prevent the CBJ from working effectively. If swelling or bleeding occurs, brush more carefully (using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush). If you are still having problems, our Hygienist is available to help you.
Broken Appliance / Loose particles
During treatment you should avoid sweet, sticky foods such as chocolate bars & lollies, etc. These foods can lead to decay and also cause problems with the CBJ, such as loosening of the crowns. Breakage's and poor oral hygiene will slow down your treatment! If this occurs during your treatment please contact our office as soon as possible to arrange an appointment to re-cement the molar crowns. If the appliance breaks (very uncommon ) or something comes loose and sticks into your gum or cheek and causes irritation, please place some wax, "Zoggs" or cotton roll over the area and contact us as soon as possible.