Removable Appliances

Removable appliances are not utilized to treat all orthodontic problems. It takes skill, and experience to recognize conditions that will respond favorably to removable appliances.

The timing of such therapy also is very important. Removable appliances, unlike conventional braces, are used to retain teeth in their corrected positions and in some cases, to influence the growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure.

In addition, they are often used before and in conjunction with fixed appliances. Since removable appliances can easily be taken out by the patient, there may be a tendency not to wear them as we have prescribed. This means your teeth, jaws and muscles may move back toward their original positions.

Removable appliances require care. Although you may notice an effect on eating and speaking along with an increase in the flow of saliva, you will eventually adjust to the appliance.

Fixed Appliances

The loss of one or more primary teeth can result in a loss of space.  Fixed appliances, called Space Maintainers hold the space required until the permanent tooth erupts at the appropriate time. At such time, the space maintainer will be removed by the pediatric dentist.

• LINGUAL ARCH
  The Lingual Arch is a space maintainer which allows the side adult teeth to have room to grow in properly. It can also be useful to regain lost space where primary teeth have been removed prematurely, and teeth have unfavorably drifted into the space needed for the other adult teeth.
  
• RAPID PALATAL EXPANDER (RPE)
  The RPE is the most commonly used appliance to expand a narrow upper jaw. Once the expansion is complete, the appliance must remain in the mouth for 6 months to allow the expansion to become permanent.
• BITE PLATE
  A Bite Plate is used to open a deep bite (decrease the vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors)
• QUAD HELIX
  The Quad Helix is one of several types of appliances that are used for expansion of the upper jaw. It usually must be left in the mouth for 6-9 months to allow the jaw to grow laterally with the expansion.
  
• T-REX APPLIANCE
  The T-Rex appliance is an expansion appliance that widens the upper jaw. It is also used to push the upper six year molars back, usually with the help of the headgear. It is usually left in the mouth for 6-9 months, depending on the patient’s level of cooperation.