Removable Braces & Brace Care

In some situations, fixed braces are not the ideal appliances to bring about the required corrective changes to the bite, and a removable brace would be more appropriate. These are essentially used to move a limited number of teeth and also for the widening of narrow jaws.

These appliances have a plastic base with hand-made wires and components that have a specific action. Some of these components are used to secure the brace to the teeth, and some are designed to move teeth.

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Often we can design these to be more inconspicuous and invisible to any onlookers.

Removable appliances are often used for children, and are comfortable to wear. Their insertion or removable does not cause any pain. Removal allows proper cleaning of the teeth.

You will be recommended this option if your orthodontist feels that this may be the best solution for you or your child.

See also: Aftercare – Removable Braces

Removable braces are often used for young children or adolescents.

What are the differences between traditional fixed braces and removable braces?

The main difference of course is that fixed braces cannot be removed, which means they are fixed in place for the duration of your treatment unless removed by your dentist.

On the other hand, removable braces can be removed at any time, though it’s worth noting that they should only be removed as advised by your orthodontist. Removing temporary braces too often will result in your results taking longer and the treatment being less effective.

What are the pros and cons of removable braces in London?

Like with any sort of orthodontic solution, there are pros and cons to removable braces which you should consider. Pros include:

The ability to take them out for meals and for cleaning, meaning you can enjoy a wider range of foods, and maintain a good hygiene routine
Much more discreet in design
More flexibility in the treatment

Cons include:

The ideal outcome may not be achieved if you don’t wear them as advised
Not suitable for all orthodontic issues

The good news is that your dentist will be able to advise you about these factors during your initial consultation, so you’re armed with all the information you need for a successful treatment.

When is the best time to get temporary braces?

Here at Elite Orthodontics we recommend that children should have an orthodontic opinion at around the age of 8. Our specialist orthodontists can detect many developing problems at this age. There are often numerous benefits to having brace treatment before the coming through of all permanent teeth such as prevention of potential complex problems and making future treatment much more simple.

If left untreated, crooked teeth could lead to an improper bite, tooth wear, tooth injury and even tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also lead to a decrease in one’s self-confidence. Treatment by our specialist orthodontists to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years. For example, we can used removable braces as expanders to widen the dental arches and create more space for future adult teeth, thus avoiding the need for extraction of permanent teeth.

Another type of removable braces are functional braces. Common problems addressed by functional braces are protruding upper or lower front teeth, lower teeth biting into the gum of the roof of the mouth, poor bite of the back teeth, or a non-idea facial appearance such as a receding lower jaw. At Elite Orthodontics, we recognise that using functional appliances appropriately will also reduce the risk of trauma and damage to protruding upper front teeth.

This does not mean that all children need treatment at the age of 8. However, it does allow your orthodontist to determine whether your child could benefit from early intervention with simple and relatively brief cost-effective treatment.

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Here are the answers to some common questions about removable appliances and wearing them.

Will it hurt?

For the first 4-5 days of having your removable brace, and for a day or two each time it is adjusted, you may experience some discomfort in your mouth. The teeth may get a little sore, and parts of the brace may rub on your gum, lips, cheeks or tongue. You may also notice increased saliva flow and an effect on your speech. This is normal, and soon you’ll get used to wearing your brace and your speech will go back to normal. To improve your speech sooner, you can practise by reading aloud while wearing the brace.

Try and wear the brace as much as possible during those first few days. If you leave your brace out for a long time, you will have to get used to it all over again when you start wearing it once more.

If necessary, you may wish to take mild painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for headaches. Please read the instructions on the packet regarding how much you should take.

We can supply you with some orthodontic wax if you wish. If any part of the retainer is digging into your lips or cheeks, tear off a small piece of wax, roll it into a small pea-sized ball between your fingers, and gently mould this over any troublesome part of the retainer. This acts as a cushion, keeping your lip or cheek away from the retainer components.

If you continue to have discomfort beyond the first few days, contact the practice so that an emergency appointment can be arranged as soon as possible to adjust your removable brace. Don’t just wait for your next appointment as this could prolong your treatment duration.

Do I have to wear my removable brace all the time?

Yes. The key to successful orthodontic treatment with removable braces is wearing them, not removing them! Removable braces do not work in your pocket! Wear your removable brace(s) all day and all night wherever you are. There are only a few exceptions to this rule:-

You may remove them for:

Eating main meals
Brushing your teeth
Playing contact sports or very active physical games or PE (in which case you should wear a mouthguard instead)
Playing wind musical instruments
Swimming

Going on holiday is not an exception to this rule! Only remove your brace for a short while for the above exceptions, and when you do, always store the brace in a small rigid container which we will provide to avoid damage to, or loss of your brace.

How do I take care of my removable brace?

Do not leave your removable brace lying around outside its container. Do not carry the brace loose in your pockets or your bag. Do not wrap up your brace in tissue paper or a napkin and then leave it lying around. To avoid damage to, or loss of your brace, always store it in its container/box when it is not being worn.

To keep your removable brace clean, brush it with your regular toothbrush and toothpaste whenever you brush your own teeth. You may wish to purchase brace cleaning tablets from a chemist as an extra measure.

Do not wash your removable brace in very warm or boiling water; do not expose it to heat (such as the radiator or the dishwasher!), and do not use bleach or household disinfectants or chemicals to clean your brace.

Always insert or remove your brace according to your orthodontist’s instructions. Do not get into the habit of clicking it in and out. This can be damaging to your teeth, to your brace, and very annoying to those around you!

Should I brush my teeth as normal?

You should brush your teeth thoroughly preferably after each meal. Take a travel brush with you to school or work so that you can brush after lunch. Use a fluoride mouthwash or brush with a fluoride gel last thing at night after toothbrushing.

How long will I have to wear my removable brace?

Your orthodontist would have given you some indication of this. Treatment with removable braces in Londonusually takes between 4-12 months. You need to attend regular appointments so that your brace is adjusted and your tooth movements are checked.

Why haven’t you fitted fixed braces instead?

Different braces have different functions. Your orthodontist has assessed and analysed your orthodontic problem to come up with the treatment plan that is customised to produce the best possible improvement for your bite. This sometimes involves wearing removable braces which act to bring about specific changes which fixed braces may not be very efficient at achieving. Treatment with removable braces is quite often (but not always) followed or preceded by fixed brace treatment.

Do I still need to see my regular dentist?

Regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment you are having, you should always continue to arrange six-monthly check-ups with your dentist.

What should I do if my brace is damaged or lost?

Contact the practice as soon as possible for an emergency appointment and/or advice. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment as this may slow your treatment, or may result in unwanted tooth movement. Very occasionally we may be able to remake your brace in your absence; or repair it if someone else brings in the damaged brace. A charge is made for replacing very damaged or lost braces. If you repeatedly damage or lose your brace, no progress will be made, and treatment may be stopped.

How much do removable braces cost?

Removable braces are an effective alternative to conventional metal braces, starting from £1290. But the cost of orthodontics is often one of the things that stops people from seeking treatment.

Here at Elite Orthodontics, our fees are similar to those of a general dentist. Only, as specialist orthodontists in London, we provide a higher quality of care and strive to achieve the very best outcomes for our patients.

Our prices vary depending on several factors – including the type of treatment, the complexity of treatment, how long the procedure takes, and the number of removable appliances required, to name just a few.

So, to find out exactly how much you will pay for removable braces in London, arrange a consultation with our specialists by calling the practice on 020 7580 5370.

What are the benefits of removable braces in London?

With their unsightly metal wires and brackets, fixed braces don’t necessarily look the best – and that’s why so many people opt for our removable braces in London.

These appliances are designed to straighten teeth, allowing you to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of, without feeling self-conscious. Much like fixed braces, they must be worn at all times and only removed for a short while, to help your teeth maintain their correct position.

The key benefits of having a removable brace include:

• Convenient removal for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing
• Relatively discreet
• Easy to clean
• Less risk of oral hygiene problems during treatment
• There are no foods and drinks you need to avoid

For more information about removable braces or to discuss your specific requirements with our team, make an appointment today.

Which removable brace is best for me?

Given that there are so many orthodontic appliances that can straighten and realign teeth these days, knowing which to choose can be tricky.

Removable braces in London are becoming more and more popular, and it’s easy to understand why when they’re less noticeable than fixed braces and can be taken out to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.

Whilst you can (and should!) remove them when playing contact sports or musical instruments, we recommend that all patients who choose Elite Orthodontics for removable braces in London wear them for at least 20 hours a day. After all, the more you wear them, the better and faster you’ll see the results you want!

Our experienced team specialise in children and adult orthodontics and will be more than happy to talk you through the different options available at our practice, just off Harley Street. So, if you’d like an expert opinion on how to straighten your teeth and whether removable braces will work for you, get in touch.

Are removable braces London effective?

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are now a wide range of options available for those looking to straighten out their smile. However, removable braces London might be the best option for you if you only need to make a few minor adjustments.

Removable braces still work to straighten out the teeth and can also be used to close any gaps or even align your bite.

Can you eat with removable braces in?

Yes! Whilst you can take out your removable braces, it is generally advised that you eat with them in. Removing your braces too often can significantly impact how successful your treatment is, and it shouldn’t take you too long to get used to eating with them in.

Always be sure to remove your braces after every meal to clean it thoroughly.

Do you sleep with removable braces?

Unless instructed otherwise, you should sleep with your removable braces in. This is completely safe to do and will help to keep progress moving along nicely.

In some cases, even after having treatment using permanent braces in London, your dentist may ask you to continue using a retainer at night as this can ensure your teeth remain nice and straight.

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