What Are Removable Braces?

With so many different kinds of braces on the market, sometimes it is hard to figure out which one is the best option, or if it is an option for solving the current orthodontic problems you may be facing. To help make things easier, this article will tell you all there is to know about removable braces, one of the many kinds of orthodontic devices used in both adult and paediatric medicine to correct the bite. Read on and find out if removable braces are right for you!

What are removable braces?

Removable orthodontic appliances are basically a piece of wire that is bent in a certain shape. It is the simplest of braces, being virtually just an archwire that is fitted to go on your teeth, with no brackets at all. They are very good at correcting slight problems and at gently aligning teeth, making minor adjustments to the bite. But that is all, they cannot rotate teeth, and they cannot exert the necessary force needed for more complex treatments. Their main strength is that they can be removed and do not need to be worn all day, but how long they do need to be worn each day is determined by your dentist. It is usually around 16-22 hours a day though, so you will spend most of your time in braces. It’s just that you can remove the braces when you eat, brush or need your teeth. This makes sense because it makes treatment cleaner and you are less likely to develop carries.

Use of removable braces in paediatric medicine

Removable orthodontic devices re frequently used in paediatric medicine for a number of reasons. Sometimes, gentle force applied early on, before the adult teeth come in can prevent the need for fixed braces later on. By gently guiding the teeth as they grow in, you can get more with less force, and for these procedures a removable brace is plenty enough, as the bones are still soft and the teeth easy to guide. Keeping teeth clean is also harder with kids, as they sometimes cannot brush well yet, but may want to, so it is important to keep their teeth as clean as possible.

Removable braces for kids and adults

Removable braces are also a large part of adult and children orthodontics. Many times aligners are used, which are basically removable braces that are clear and aesthetically pleasing, but work more or less on the same principle.

The most important thing to note with adults is patient participation; just because they are removable, does not mean you do not have to wear them! For adults, you need to wear the braces for usually around 22 hours a day, meaning you get very little time out of braces, so make sure you keep them on or you will be in treatment forever. Remove only when eating, brushing your teeth or speaking publicly.         

More information about the types of braces