Removable appliances
What are removable appliances?
Removable appliances are braces that can be taken in and out of the mouth. They are not glued of ‘fixed’ to the teeth like conventional train track braces. They are usually used to aid bite correction or for mild tipping of teeth.
Are Removable appliances painful to wear?
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary, simple painkillers such as the ones you would normally take for a headache should help- please read instructions on the packet.
If there is an obvious area of soreness due to the brace, ring for an appointment as soon as possible. Don’t stop wearing the brace or you will have a further 3-5 days of discomfort when you start wearing it again. If it is too uncomfortable, wear the brace for 2 hours before your next visit and show the orthodontist where it is rubbing.
How else may Removable Appliances affect me?
Your speech will be different at first. Practice speaking with the retainer in place e.g., read out loud at home on your own. Your speech should return to normal within a few days.
You will also produce more saliva and may have to swallow more than normal for the first couple of days. This will settle down but it may be worth carrying a tissue or handkerchief with you.
Removable Appliances - Your Questions Answered
Can I remove the brace?
Yes, but you should only remove it for cleaning. Do not repeatedly click the brace in and out with your tongue as this will break the wires and loosen the brace leading to an increase in the length of time the treatment will take.
What about tooth brushing?
Remove your brace to brush your teeth. You should gently clean your brace with your toothbrush and water, taking care not to damage the wires.
- It is important that you brush your teeth well for at least 3 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Bring your toothbrush to school or work for use after lunch.
- Use floss or tepe brushes to clean in between your teeth daily.
- Use alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash once daily, ideally anytime other than directly after brushing. This will help to maintain fluoride protection. Avoid eating or rinsing for 20 minutes after use.
- Frequent sugary snacks and drinks plus poor oral hygiene will lead to permanent damage to your teeth.
How long will treatment take?
It usually takes 6-12 months but will vary according to how severe your case is. You may need to progress on to a fixed brace to finish your treatment. Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will increase the length of time treatment will take.
How often will I need an appointment?
You will be seen on a 4-6 weekly basis. During this time the brace will be adjusted and the position of your teeth and bite will be checked.
What do I do if I play contact sports?
Remove your brace for playing contact sports and wear a mouth-guard. This is also the case if you take part in activities requiring a protective helmet e.g. horse riding. Remove your retainer for swimming as well. The retainer should be kept in a protective box when you are not wearing it. Do not store your brace in a tissue.
What if I play a musical instrument?
If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument, then you may be advised to remove the brace whilst playing. However, when the brace is not in your mouth it should be kept in a protective box to prevent breakage. You may discuss this further with your music teacher and orthodontist. Download an advice sheet on this subject from www.bos.org.uk
What do I do if my brace breaks or I lose it?
Ring up for an appointment as soon as is reasonably possible. Do not wait for your next appointment. You may be advised to attend sooner than your next routine appointment depending on what stage of treatment you are in as the breakage may slow your treatment or result in damage to your teeth and mouth. If you repeatedly break your brace, your treatment may be stopped early.
The above information has been taken from: The British Orthodontic Society website: www.bos.org.uk
Can I eat normally?
Yes, you should be able to eat normally. It is important you keep the brace in whilst eating unless you are otherwise instructed. Although it may be difficult at first, eating with the brace in place will become easier with time. After each meal, remove the brace and clean/rinse it thoroughly. For your orthodontic treatment to work well and in the shortest possible time, it is important that you take care of your teeth and brace.
To avoid damage to both, you should:
How much does Removable Appliance Treatment Cost
Prices vary depending on the treatment you need. Please discuss this with your dentist during your assessment. At Colm Smith Dental we provide our patients with the knowledge and expertise needed to get the best results.
Our pricing is competitive, and our dentists are highly skilled. Please see our price list below or call one of our practices in Cootehill and Monaghan to find out more.
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If you are unsure what treatment you may need, please fill out the appointment form with as much information as possible and we will contact you as soon as we can.
We have Dental Clinics in Cootehill in Cavan and also in Monaghan centre.