Passive removable devices

Question 1

List the three types of passive removable appliances

Answer 1

• Space maintainers (fixed and removable)
• Habit breakers
• Retainers

Question 2

Describe space maintainers in terms of:

• The two types
• Purpose
• When it is used

Answer 2

The two types
· Can be fixed or removable

Purpose:
· Helps maintain space for permanent successors

When it is used:
· Used in the mixed dentition to prevent forward drift of the 6’s following early loss of the D’s or E’s
· A tooth is the ideal space maintainers, thus every effort should be made to preserve the primary tooth (good oral hygiene is vital)

Question 3

Explain the purpose of habit breakers and state an example of one

Answer 3

· Thumb sucking can cause anterior open bites, posterior cross bites, narrow maxilla and upper incisor flaring
· A removable appliance with a tongue crib can be used as a reminder to stop the habit, and it can keep the tongue in a functional positioning for adequate jaw posture