Removable Appliances
Clear aligners
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a form of clear, plastic removable braces which gradually move your teeth into their desired position. This is achieved through wearing a sequence of aligners, which incrementally move your teeth over time. Clear aligners are an alternative to fixed metal or ceramic braces to straighten your teeth and form one of the many tools an Orthodontist has to move your teeth.
These aligners are made after a thorough examination by your orthodontist, who individualizes the treatment to correct a patient’s bite and straighten their teeth.
The advantages & disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners bring with them certain advantages. One major advantage is its superior aesthetics, being almost entirely invisible when worn, with the difference especially stark when compared to traditional metal braces. The aligners are also removable, facilitating the maintenance of oral hygiene and eating.
However, clear aligners have their own set of disadvantages. Although being removable, aligners only work when worn, and therefore require good compliance with wear. They are also prone to misplacement, since they can be easily removed. Dietary changes will be required as liquids can seep between the teeth and the aligners, predisposing the patient to stains or tooth decay if sugary and coloured drinks are frequently consumed. Clear aligners are not suitable for every patient, as some bites can only be fixed with conventional braces.
Can I be treated with clear aligners?
It is strongly advised to seek the professional opinion of an Orthodontist who is familiar with the various types of braces, who can advise you on the most suitable type of braces for your needs.
Functional appliances
Early treatment for growth modification is needed for children with deficient upper or lower jaws and is usually indicated when the child is still growing.
Functional appliances are used in orthodontics to correct bite and support proper teeth movements and aid in jaw corrections.
A twin block is a functional appliance to guide the growth of a small lower jaw. It is made up of two removable appliances, hence the name twin block. Straightening the teeth with fi xed braces thereafter becomes easier, quicker and more stable
In Class II malocclusion when the upper jaw growth is excessive, cervical or high pull headgear can be used to restrict upper jaw growth and pushing upper molars backwards to support desirable tooth movements.
They can be indicated in Class III malocclusion cases where upper jaw is under developed and a protraction headgear can be used to aid in forward and downward upper jaw growth.
How often should I be wearing them?
Functional appliances need to be worn for at least 12 to 14 hours per day to achieve desired teeth movement and growth modification. Therefore, this form of treatment requires good patient compliance for favourable results.
Precautions?
Patients need to be taught to be careful while putting on and wearing such extra oral devices, as improper care may result in injury to the face. While wearing such devices, patients should avoid playing with young children together.
Upper removable appliance
Active upper removable appliances are indicated for the correction of certain aspects of malocclusion in the young patient at mixed dentition stage. Crossbites, as seen in the above picture (the lower incisors biting in front of the upper), for example, if left untreated, will worsen and cause damage to teeth and gums. Hence upper removable appliance (URA), as seen below, may be indicated for its correction.
Retainers
Congratulations on finishing your braces treatment! After your braces are removed, it is very important to wear your retainers to ensure that your new smile is well-maintained.
There are two main groups of retainers: 1) Fixed and 2) Removable.
Fixed retainers
A fixed retainer is a metal wire that is glued to the back surface of your upper/lower front teeth with bonding material, frequently from the canine tooth on one side to the other. This type of retainers is fixed on your teeth permanently to keep them from moving, and does not require removal by you.
Fixed retainers are often indicated by your Orthodontist if you had very severe crowding of the front teeth, or if the front teeth were leaned forward on purpose as part of treatment.
A common issue of fixed retainers is increased difficulty with brushing and flossing in the region, as well as dislodgement of the bonding material/metal wire. Regular six-monthly reviews with your Orthodontist/Dentist will be helpful to examine for issues with your fixed retainers.
Your Orthodontist might also suggest the need for both fixed and removable retainers for you.
Removable retainers
At KTPH, your first set of removable retainers are included in your braces package. Removable retainers are highly recommended to be worn full time (except during brushing and mealtimes) for the first six months to a year after your braces have been removed, as your teeth require time to stabilise and get used to their new positions. Your teeth will move if you do not comply with retainer wear.
Removable retainers come in a few types:
- Thermoplastic
Protection against grinding however durability may be affected due to increased wear
- Acrylic base attached to wire
- Clear plastic strap replaces the metal wire at the region of the front teeth for clearbow
- Acrylic plate might interfere with speech initially. The presence of metal components allow for activation and slight tightening if required.
Ultimately, your Orthodontist will discuss with you the best option for your case – be it a combination of fixed and removable retainers, removable retainers only, and the type of removable retainers. Your orthodontist will recommend an option that suits your lifestyle while ensuring that it is best suited for maintaining the corrections achieved by your braces treatment.
