Can Orthodontic Appliances Help Me?

What are orthodontic Appliances?

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of both fixed and removable appliances. Your fixed appliances will consist of your braces, and these are definitely the most important part of your orthodontic treatment.  Your removable appliances will consist of those appliances that can be inserted and removed from the mouth with ease.   

Removable appliances consist of wires that are held together by plastic.  These appliances are used to gently exert pressure on the teeth to move to their desired position.

Uses

Removable appliances can be used to change the growth of the jaw in minor ways. A functional appliance can work on the jaw muscle to correct small problems with the jaw.  These appliances can be used when there is a small amount of orthodontic work that's required.  

A prime example of a removable appliance is a retainer that is meant to be worn after the braces have come off. Retainers are meant to be worn for about a year, to allow the teeth and jaw to maintain the position they have been moved to, and to prevent any regression back to their previous position.

Removable appliances are made by creating a plastic impression of your mouth and jaw.  These are made in the dental laboratory, and after production, are fitted into your mouth.

Advantages of Removable Appliances

The biggest advantage of these appliances is that unlike braces, they are simple to remove. So, if your removable appliances cause you any irritation or pain, you can remove them yourself.  Plus, they are inexpensive, and also very easy to adjust, unlike braces that can only be adjusted by an orthodontist.   Because these appliances can be removed easily, they are also very easy to clean. In fact, you can remove and clean them after every meal if you want to. This will ensure maintenance of proper hygiene.  Also, they involve very little damage while playing sports and even rough contact sports.  They can be removed before a game, preventing the possibility of any injury to the mouth, tongue or gums.

Disadvantages

Removable appliances can take some getting used to.  They also have a very limited functionality as far as shaping the movement of the teeth is concerned. They can be used for minor orthodontic treatment, but are not suitable for major treatments, like rotation of the tooth.   These are also slower working than braces.   Removable appliances can't be used everywhere in the mouth. For instance, they may not be very useful in the lower arch, because retaining the appliance is problematic.

For best results, use your appliance throughout the day, and remove it only at night before you go to bed.   Remember to remove your appliance before you participate in any contact sports. When you remove your appliance, store it in a container full of cold water. Never rinse the appliance in warm water, as the heat can actually alter the shape and fit of the appliance.   Be careful during insertion, as well as the time of removal to avoid breakage of any of the plastic or wires.  Use a small tooth bush to keep your appliance clean when not in use.