Removable

Removable Appliances comprise a plate, not unlike a denture, fitted with strategically positioned springs to tip the teeth into line. They are still used for certain simple cases such as moving a single tooth in a young patient to avoid the development of a more complicated problem later on. However, most orthodontic problems are better dealt with by using the very much more efficient Fixed or Invisible Appliances. Although they are termed ‘Removable Appliances’, they must be worn all of the time except during sport or when they are being cleaned.

_

Although Removable Appliances are not used very much these days to move teeth, there is one type of this appliance called a Functional Appliance that is often used to modify growth of the lower jaw in growing children. The overall effect is to improve the relationship of the jaws to each other and is usually followed by a period of Fixed Appliance therapy to correct any tooth irregularities.

_