How to Clean and Care for Your Panthera Appliance (Manufacturer Instructions)

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published September 25, 2026

If your appliance is specifically a Panthera — the digitally designed, biocompatible anti-snoring device Dr. Boris Zusin prescribes for sleep apnea and snoring — the manufacturer, Panthera Dental, publishes its own Patient Instructions for Use. It's worth following theirs specifically rather than generic oral-appliance advice, because a couple of their rules are stricter than what's typically recommended for other night guards or retainers.

The One Rule That's Different From Most Other Appliances

Panthera's instructions are explicit and worth repeating exactly: never use chlorine-based products on the device — that includes most denture cleansers, bleach, and acetic acid (plain white vinegar). This is a real departure from some general appliance-care advice you may have seen elsewhere (including for other types of night guards), which sometimes suggests a denture-cleanser tablet or a diluted vinegar soak. Those aren't safe for a Panthera specifically — use only an antibacterial, chlorine-free orthodontic cleaning solution, available at most drugstores, and follow that product's own instructions.

Daily Cleaning

Clean the device every day in lukewarm water with a soft toothbrush. Rinse, dry, and store it in the case provided.

Deeper Cleaning, Twice a Week

Use an antibacterial, chlorine-free orthodontic cleaning solution twice a week, following that product's manufacturer instructions. Look for one labeled chlorine-free specifically — not every orthodontic or appliance cleaner is.

Water Temperature Matters

Never put the device in water warmer than 45°C (133°F). The device is made of a biocompatible plastic that resists temperature changes but must be handled at room temperature; if it's ever left somewhere very cold or very hot (a car, for instance), let it return to room temperature before handling it.

Inserting the Device

Brush your teeth first. Place the upper splint (the one without the triangle-shaped rod anchors) on your upper teeth and press it into place with your fingers. Then move your lower jaw forward to position the lower splint on your lower teeth, and press it into place. Some patients find it easier to insert the lower splint first, then move the jaw forward to seat the upper splint — either order is fine. It can help to use a mirror while you're still getting used to it.

Removing the Device

Unclip the lower splint first: place a thumb on each side of the lower retainer, near the gum in front of your lower canines (the longest lower teeth), and lift. Then place your fingers on each side of the upper splint, near the gum, and pull down. Never press or pull on the retaining rods themselves — that's the part most likely to bend or break if handled roughly.

Storage

You'll receive both a storage case and a carrying pouch. Keep the device in its case at room temperature, away from direct heat and humidity, and out of reach of children. Worth knowing from the manufacturer directly: don't leave it out on the night table — dogs are drawn to the smell and will chew through one.

Helpful Morning Exercises

Because the device gently stresses the jaw joint overnight, it's normal to feel like your bite needs a moment to settle back into its usual position after you take it out, especially early in treatment. Panthera suggests two simple exercises to help: move your chin backward and close your molars together while biting, repeating 5 to 10 times; and eating breakfast or chewing sugar-free gum, both of which help reset a normal bite.

Before Each Use, Check For

• Damage — don't use the device if there's visible wear or damage; have it checked instead.
• Cleanliness — clean it per the instructions above if it isn't already.
• Fit — it should feel comfortable and snug on both the upper and lower teeth.

When to Contact Us

Reach out if you notice tooth movement or a change in how your bite feels, gum or tooth soreness, jaw joint (TMJ) pain, excessive salivation, or any breathing obstruction while wearing it. The rods that control how far the appliance advances your jaw should only ever be changed by your dental practitioner — never adjust them yourself. An annual check-up to inspect the device for wear is also recommended, on top of your regular sleep-apnea follow-up schedule.

This page reflects Panthera Dental's official Patient Instructions for Use (L-002 rev 08). If anything about your specific device differs from what's described here, follow the guidance we gave you directly, and bring any questions to your next visit. See our Panthera Appliance page for more on how the device works.