Removable orthodontics is one of the effective and flexible methods for correcting mild to moderate dental misalignments. At Dr. Bonyanian’s clinic, utilizing modern equipment and extensive therapeutic experience, the best type of removable orthodontics tailored to your needs is provided. We are with you to pave the way for achieving a more beautiful smile through a more comfortable and flexible method.
What is Removable Orthodontics?
Removable orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses removable plates or appliances to correct mild to moderate dental misalignments.
These appliances are usually made of clear plastic or a combination of metal and plastic, and the patient can remove them from their mouth when eating or brushing. Removable orthodontics is mostly used during growth years or for minor corrections in adults and offers more flexibility in daily use compared to fixed orthodontics.
Removable Orthodontic Appliance
A removable orthodontic appliance (removable retainer) is the same as removable orthodontics for teeth, which has become known by this name. Therefore, if you come across the term “removable orthodontic appliance” in an article, know that this phrase refers to removable orthodontics for teeth.
Duration of Removable Orthodontic Treatment
As mentioned above, the duration of dental treatment with removable braces is shorter compared to fixed braces. Your orthodontist will determine the approximate duration of your treatment during the first visit.
Estimating the duration of this process depends on factors such as: age, type of removable orthodontics, severity of oral and dental misalignments, and, of course, the individual’s cooperation in using this method and maintaining dental hygiene.
Is Removable Orthodontics Painful?
You may experience discomfort and pain during the first 4-5 days of using removable braces. Your teeth will likely ache, and parts of the braces may come into contact with your gums, lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Additionally, the braces cause increased saliva flow and affect speech, which is a natural side effect. You will quickly get used to the braces, and your speech will return to normal.
For Which Dental Conditions is Removable Orthodontics Effective?
If you need minor and slight changes and adjustments to your teeth and mouth, this method is a suitable option for you. Also, if your job or lifestyle involves a lot of interaction with people and you are concerned about the appearance of your orthodontically treated teeth, you can use removable orthodontics.
Removable braces straighten teeth, close gaps between them, and correct various types of bites. However, they are not the best option for treating severe misalignments.
Using this type of orthodontics is possible for adolescents and adults. Adults may prefer them due to their invisibility. Parents may also choose removable braces for children and adolescents because they are easier to clean and floss with. If using removable braces, it is essential to be responsible and aware. Be sure to wear them for most hours of the day and be careful not to lose them. This problem is often the biggest challenge for adolescents.
How Much Does This Treatment Cost?
The cost of removable orthodontics for teeth will be determined based on the material used in the orthodontics (clear or ceramic) and the severity of your oral and dental misalignments.
Also, additional treatment costs such as brace replacement, purchasing special orthodontic toothbrushes, special mouthwash, etc., will be added to the final price of removable orthodontics.
You can read all the tariffs and the price of removable orthodontics in another article published on Dr. Bonyanian’s website or, for a more precise cost determination, contact Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic by phone at 00982188539720.
Steps of Removable Orthodontic Treatment
If you intend to undergo removable orthodontic treatment, you must go through several essential and general steps. These steps include the following:
Visiting the Orthodontist
The first step is to visit an orthodontic specialist (orthodontist). After an examination, the orthodontist will determine which type of removable orthodontics is suitable for you, based on the severity of your dental and jaw misalignments.
In special circumstances, the orthodontist may even deem removable orthodontics unsuitable for you and suggest you use fixed orthodontics instead of this method.
Taking Impressions
To create a custom removable orthodontic appliance tailored to your specific needs and the exact shape of your teeth, impressions of your teeth are taken. Impression-taking is done in a short time, and after the impression is taken, the appliance is made in the laboratory.
Placing Removable Orthodontics on Teeth
In this stage, the custom-made appliances are placed on the patient’s teeth. There might be some discomfort when the appliances are first placed. After this stage is completed, the patient should have a visit approximately once a month.
Types of Removable Orthodontic Appliances (Braces)
There are various types of removable orthodontic braces, for example:
- Functional Removable Braces
- Hawley Removable Retainer
- Invisible Removable Braces
| Type of Removable Brace | Brief Description | Application | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Removable Braces | A two-jaw appliance to guide jaw growth in growing years | Treatment of jaw misalignments in children and adolescents | Corrects jaw growth, prevents future surgery |
| Hawley Removable Retainer | An acrylic plate with metal wires to hold teeth | Maintaining results after fixed orthodontics | Comfortable to use, allows for readjustment |
| Invisible Removable Braces (Invisalign) | Clear plastic aligners that gradually move teeth | Correction of mild to moderate misalignments | Invisible appearance, greater comfort, easy removal |
Factors Affecting the Duration of Removable Orthodontic Treatment
Dr. Bonyanian explained to the authors of this article that:
The duration of this treatment depends on several factors. Some of these factors, such as the level of dental care and adherence to the dentist’s recommendations, depend on you. For example, adherence to oral hygiene, following the dentist’s advice, and taking care of the braces.
Advantages of Removable Orthodontics
The advantages of this method include:
- They are invisible
- Easy to use
- Allow eating colored or slightly hard foods (when removed)
- Can be removed if unbearable pain is felt
- Require little time for placement on teeth because they are made in a laboratory
- Cost less compared to traditional orthodontics
- You can remove them when eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth
Disadvantages of Removable Orthodontics
Using removable orthodontics also has disadvantages, which include:
- Effective only for minor adjustments
- Removable orthodontic appliances cannot correct multiple rotations
- The patient might not use it for a period, leading to a prolonged treatment duration
- Tolerating this type of orthodontics for lower teeth is difficult
- May affect speech
- Can break easily if hard foods are eaten (while wearing them)
Tooth Movement with Removable Orthodontic Appliances
Age, gender, root length, bone level, and quality affect tooth movement with removable orthodontic appliances. For example, in adolescents, the jawline and underlying tissue are still developing. As a result, the jawline has more flexibility, and tooth movement is easier.
In adults, teeth also move, but the treatment duration is longer.
Necessary Care After Removable Orthodontics
To prevent damage after orthodontic treatment, follow these tips:
- After wearing them, avoid eating hard, fizzy, sticky, and sugary foods and drinks.
- Do not wash the braces with boiling or hot water, as their plastic will melt.
- Remove the braces when swimming.
- If speaking is difficult in the first few days, simply practice to resolve the issue. For example, read a text aloud. Speech will return to normal after two or three days. Clean the braces once a week with a cleaning solution.
- Only remove the braces from your mouth if approved by your orthodontist.
Final Conclusion
What we learned in this article was about removable orthodontics, types of removable orthodontic appliances, and the pros and cons of each. We understood that removable orthodontics is a very practical method for individuals who do not like the appearance of metal wires and fixed orthodontics.
This method of aligning teeth is suitable for teeth with minor misalignments. Therefore, individuals with severe dental and jaw problems cannot use this method (if they do, it will be ineffective).
If you intend to use removable orthodontic services in Tehran, you can contact the consultants at Dr. Bonyanian’s dental clinic by calling 00982188539720.
Dr. Bonyanian’s clinic is one of the most professional and best dental clinics in Tehran, which, with a professional and specialized staff, is capable of performing all dental orthodontic services.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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