Removable Appliances

Removable appliances are used in orthodontics.

They include

arch expanders	braces,	and retainers.

An arch expander can be used to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. The use of an arch expander will generally minimise or eliminate the need for braces when the patient gets older.

Braces are retainers, bonded brackets, arch wires and elastic bands that move crowded or spaced teeth into a "normal" position for appearance, prevention and function.

Once the teeth have been moved into proper position, a retainer is sometimes used to keep the teeth in place until they have “settled.” Retainers can be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable.