REMOVABLE APPLIANCES

Removable orthodontic appliances, as their name suggests, are devices that are not permanent but can be removed and reinserted by the patient (removable).

Ideal Ages: Removable appliances are suitable for children in their pre-adolescent and adolescent years.

 

What problems can removable appliances correct?

Removable appliances can:

• Change the shape of the dental arch
• Correct anterior crossbite
• Guide the growth of the jaws

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of removable appliances?

Advantages:

• Removable appliances can be taken out during meals and reinserted afterward.
• They are easy and quick to clean, which is very important for maintaining dental health.

Disadvantages:

• The main disadvantage is that they require active participation from the patient, as their effectiveness largely depends on this.

Are all removable appliances the same? The answer is no. Removable appliances are customized devices tailored to the needs and requirements of each patient. In simpler cases, they may have a simpler design, while in more complex cases, they may have a more intricate design. The goal of this customized treatment is to fit perfectly to the structure of each patient’s mouth, providing the correct pressure and guidance based on the desired outcomes.

 

What changes should I expect?

• Your speech may be a bit different initially. Try reading aloud in the first few days to gradually improve.
• The appliance may cause you to produce more saliva at first. This will stop in a few days.
• Your teeth may be sensitive in the first few days until you get used to the pressure exerted by the appliance.

Cleaning Instructions:

• You should clean your appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste every time you brush your teeth.
• Every day, drop an effervescent Corega tablet into a glass of water (NOT HOT or WARM) and place the appliance in it for 5 minutes (alternatively, one tablet for 20 minutes twice a week).
• Remove the appliance, rinse it, and wear it.

Things to Avoid:

• Do not chew gum, hard or sticky candies that stick to your teeth, or chew on ice. There is a risk of bending or breaking the appliance.

When to Wear the Appliance:

• The appliance should be worn continuously except for the following cases: a) When brushing your teeth and simultaneously the appliance. b) When eating main meals (morning – noon – evening). c) When swimming in the sea or the pool.

Care Instructions:

• The appliance is not easily broken but requires care.
• Never put in or remove the appliance from your mouth by pulling on the front wire, as it may break.

Activation and Follow-Up:

• If the appliance has a screw, activate it as instructed and come for a check-up whenever requested.

Storage:

• Always put the appliance in its case when removing it and NEVER in paper or a napkin (there is a risk of losing it, and replacing it is expensive).

 

Key to Success

a) Follow all the instructions given by the orthodontist Ioannis Floros. b) For any problem that arises, contact us immediately for prompt assistance.