What is Removable Orthodontic Appliances

Removable orthodontic appliances are able to  be removed from the mouth  because they don’t attach to teeth. They are customized to fit your mouth to aid in your orthodontic treatment plane. They could correct simple malocclusions. Your orthodontist will create your orthodontic treatment plane.

Generally, they are divided  into two groups, the first group is suitable for simple movements of teeth. The second group of removable orthodontic appliances is suitable for moving the jaw (mandible and maxilla).

They are designed to apply forces to the teeth by means of spring screws and other mechanical components.

Be noted that removable orthodontic appliances just produce a tipping movement. They can also be used as an adjunct to more complex treatments, to enhance the effect of fixed orthodontic appliances.

Advantages of removable orthodontic appliances

The use of removable appliances is considerably more limited than in the past but there are some advantages as followings:

• You could take them out  for cleaning.
• When you need tipping movement, it is more comfortable than fixed orthodontic appliances.
• In case of unbearable pain or situation, you could remove them temporarily.
• In case of unbearable pain or situation, you could remove them temporarily.
• In case of socially sensitive occasions, you could take them out.
• They are less conspicuous.
• They are easy to use and a general practitioner with adequate training can undertake them.
• They are manufacturing in the lab so your chair side time would be short.
• They are not expensive.

Limitations on using removable orthodontic appliances

The orthodontist  prefers the best appliance according to the deformity of teeth and jaws. Some malocclusions are treated by removable and other discrepancies need fixed appliances.

There are some limitations on using removable orthodontic appliances.

• They are applicable for simple malocclusions.
• Removable orthodontic appliances couldn’t correct multiple rotations
• Patients who are uncooperative may leave out the appliance during prolonged treatment.
• Lower appliance not well tolerated and they are not comfort

Tooth movement with removable appliances

There are three main categories for tooth movement with removable appliances.

First Category: increasing arch perimeter or arch expansion.  Acrylic part of the removable appliance corporates holds the other parts of the acrylic plate together and a jack screw is mounted in the acrylic plate. Jack screws are an active element of the expansion plate. A heavy force that the screw produces decays rapidly. When jack screws turns  ¼, it produces 0.25 mm of tooth movement.

Second Category: repositioning of individual teeth within the arch. In this case spring designed for individual teeth movement Clasps are the retentive components.  Adams Clasp, Circumferential Clasp, Lingual Extension Clasp are examples of retentive clasp, they can be adjusted in clinics.

Third Category: intrusion or extrusion of teeth. Based on the orthodontist‘s diagnosis, removable orthodontic appliances apply for intrusion. Anterior or posterior bite plates act as an active part and they can be used as intrusive mechanics in an orthodontic removable appliance.

Removable Orthodontics FAQ

1-Can Patients Choose the Type of Orthodontics Treatment?

According to the type of malocclusion, the specialist decides which appliance should be suggested to the patient.

2-How long is the Duration of Removable Orthodontic Treatment?

The length of treatment depends on the type of malocclusion,  severity, teeth crowding, jaw alignment, and so forth. In some cases, fixed and removable braces are used together. The orthodontist estimates the approximate treatment time in the initial appointment.

3- When should patients use removable orthodontics?

Removable orthodontics are used in 2 cases, firstly, to correct the jaws. Second,  they are used as retainers at the end of fixed orthodontics treatment.

4- Fixed Orthodontics Vs. Removable Orthodontics?

If the purpose is to fix mispositioned jaws, removable orthodontics should be used. However, fixed orthodontics is used for changing tooth location.

5- Can I Eat with Removable Orthodontics?

It is recommended to take out the removable orthodontics before eating. After brushing your teeth, put the removable orthodontics back in your mouth. h. A healthy diet is required, in order to have healthier and cleaner teeth. A good example would be: eating food rich in vitamins and minerals, avoiding  sticky and hard foods, and food with low nutritional value.

6- What beverages should I  Avoid with Removable Orthodontics?

Take out your removable orthodontics before consuming carbonated drinks, sweets, energy drinks, and colored drinks. Put the removable orthodontics back in your mouth immediately after brushing your teeth.