Removable Braces
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.
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 removal 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.
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 use removable braces as expanders to widen the dental arches and create more space for future adult teeth, thus avoiding the need for the extraction of permanent teeth.
Another type of removable braces is 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, the 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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Removable Braces FAQ’s
Thanks to modern dentistry, there are now a wide range of options available for those looking to straighten out their smile. However, removeable braces 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.
The time it takes to correct a smile differs from one individual to the next. It really depends on how much needs to be done and how significant the orthodontic treatment is. In most cases, removable braces won’t be advised in cases where there are a lot of adjustments required.
Typically, those who opt for removable braces to correct minor issues can expect treatment to take between 4-12 months.
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.
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, your dentist may ask you to continue using a retainer at night as this can ensure your teeth remain nice and straight.
