Removable Appliances

Removable appliances can be used in a number of ways, such as helping to hold select teeth in place, helping to move select teeth into place and helping with the eruption of a tooth, or teeth. Removable appliances are often used in conjunction to fixed appliances.
Unfortunately, as good as they are, removable appliances can’t be used in the treatment of all orthodontic issues. It takes a lot of skill and experience to be able to recognize conditions in which treatment with removable appliances is needed.

Because of the fact that the appliances can easily be removed by the patient, it is important to ensure that good compliance is received from the patient in order to achieve the desired outcome. We know how easy it is to forget to re-apply your removable appliances and how much some teens just don’t want to wear them; the removal of your appliances without the orthodontists’ consent can lead to your teeth, jaw and muscles moving back into their original positions and causing the healing process to be just that much longer. Our team here at Martin Dale Dental cannot stress enough how important it is to wear your appliances as prescribed!

Retainers

A retainer is the next step after braces. When the braces are removed, a retained takes their place. The whole point of a retainer is to ensure that your teeth stay in the place that the braces helped to get them to! If you do not wear your retainer as instructed, your teeth will begin to work their way back into their original positions. Retainers are easy to lose so make sure that you are placing your retainer in its case when not being worn. Also, make sure to clean your retainer after each meal!

Elastics

Elastics are rubber bands that are attached to your braces and help to exert the proper force needed to move the teeth. Elastics must be worn all the time, no exceptions! They must also be changed every day to ensure that they are clean and ready for use. Any time spent without your elastics on will only prolong your treatment time, so keep that in mind when dealing with your braces!

You are the one responsible for ensuring that your elastics are applied between appointments. Make sure that you are wearing your elastics as prescribed by your orthodontist. The only times the elastics should be removed are after meals and when you are brushing your braces and teeth. Afterwards, the elastics should be re-applied immediately. This is also why it is important that you make sure to always carry a few elastics with you. If one breaks, you will have extras on hand. If your supply of elastic bands is low, give the office a call and we can mail you an additional supply of bands.
Elastics can easily become worn out. They cannot provide the proper amount of pressure on your teeth and jaws when they have lost their elasticity and this is why it is so important to ensure that you are changing your elastics when recommended by your orthodontist. If you experience any issues with your elastics, such as them breaking frequently, or if you have any issues with the braces, such as a loose wire or band or a hook breaking off, give our office a call immediately. It is important that these problems are resolved as soon as possible so that no further damage can occur.

If you have questions regarding your appliance or any other oral health concern just phone Martindale Dental today! Our orthodontic specialists would be more than happy to assist you.