Removable appliances

Question 1

Give 3 advantages of a removable orthodontic appliance:

Answer 1

1. Easy to maintain good oral hygiene
2. Inexpensive
3. Easy to adjust

Question 2

Give 3 disadvantages of a removable orthodontic appliance:

Answer 2

1. Can be left out/lost and improperly used
2. Inefficient for multiple teeth movement
3. Lower appliances can be difficult to tolerate

Question 3

Give 3 indications of when removable appliances may be used:

Answer 3

1. Eruption guidance
2. Space maintenance
3. Reduction of overbite

Question 4

What are 4 active components of removable appliances which produce force for tooth movements:

Answer 4

1. Palatal and buccal springs
2. Bows
3. Screws
4. Elastic

Question 5

What is the role of retentive components?

How is the retention provided?

Answer 5

Retentive components = hold the appliance in the mouth

Provided using anterior and posterior clasps and bows

Question 6

What is the purpose of Anchorage?

What do:
a) Simple anchorage
b) Stationary anchorage
c) Reciprocal anchorage
relate to?

Answer 6

Anchorage = to resist unwanted tooth movement

a) Simple = resistance to tipping
b) Stationary = resistance to bodily movement
c) Reciprocal = 2 or more teeth moving in opposite directions and pitted against each other by the appliance

Question 7

What is the purpose of a Baseplate?

How is it made of?

Answer 7

Baseplate holds all components of the appliance together

Made of cold cured acrylic

Question 8

What are bite planes used for?

Answer 8

Bite planes = to reduce overbites

Question 9

List 4 instructions for patients with removable appliances:

Answer 9

1. Wear full time including meals and when sleeping
2. Remove when brushing teeth and contact sports
3. Usual to experience some discomfort and some difficulties with speech
4. Avoid hard or sticky foods