Removable Braces
Teeth straightening with removable braces might sound good. However, these can only correct very slight malocclusions. Clear aligners are an alternative, they are removable too but can achieve the same movements as fixed retainers.
The removable braces are often used at the beginning of therapy and help to correct slight tooth misalignments. By regularly adjusting them at the orthodontist's, the desired jaw and tooth position is achieved. It consists of a plastic inner part, which lies behind the teeth, and wires, which run along or over the teeth for attachment. Because this type of braces is removable, it can be easily cleaned and taken out for eating and brushing your teeth.
Treatment with removable braces: Suitable for children and adults?
As removable braces are often used when the teeth and jaw are still growing, this type of treatment is mostly performed on children and adolescents. This therapy is also possible for adults, but the removable braces for adults is more time-consuming on the one hand and more expensive on the other. Adults must ask their health insurance company about the exact costs of treatment with removable braces, as in most cases the costs are only covered for children.
Treat malocclusions by adjusting the removable braces
The removable braces are used to stretch the jaw. To achieve this, the removable braces are adjusted at certain intervals. To do this, a wire is used to untwist a thread in the centre part of the braces, which in turn causes the braces to spread. The pressure widens the jaw. However, if the removable braces are not inserted regularly, it often no longer fits after a while. This can lead to uncomfortable pressure points on the gums and teeth until the braces are adjusted correctly by your orthodontist.
Advantages and disadvantages of removable braces
Every type of treatment for misaligned teeth and jaws has its advantages and disadvantages, including removable braces. Besides pain and price, handling and aesthetics are also important criteria for many people.
Advantages of the removable braces
As the name suggests, one advantage of removable braces is their handling - they are removable. So they can be removed at any time for cleaning, eating, or other reasons. This not only makes it easier to clean the braces, but also means that dental hygiene can be maintained better than with fixed braces. Another advantage of the removable braces is that they lie behind the teeth, making them almost invisible. Only small wires for fastening are in the visible area of the teeth, which makes them more aesthetic than fixed braces for most people.
Disadvantages of removable braces
In addition to the advantages already mentioned, removable braces also have some disadvantages, the most important of which is initial pain.
Due to the pressure to widen the jaw, many patients complain of pain in the jaw and teeth. Enunciation is also affected because the removable braces take up a comparatively large amount of space on the palate and the inside of the lower jaw. Another disadvantage of removable braces is the regular readjustment of the braces, besides the greater effort, this also leads to the pain from the removable braces recurring.
Costs of removable braces
The cost of removable braces depends on various factors. The duration and exact type of treatment determines the price of the removable braces, and not every treatment is covered by the health insurance. For adults the cost of removable braces must be paid by the patient and ranges from £ 600 to £ 1500, depending on the duration and type. When treating an adult, it is decided on a case-by-case basis whether the costs will be covered by the health insurance.
The alternative: an Aligner from DrSmile
We offer you a suitable alternative to fixed or removable braces. Our clear aligner is ideal for adults, as they can be worn inconspicuously at work and in private life. The tooth correction takes only a few months - depending on the initial situation.
With DrSmile there are no hidden costs. This means that the cost of the aligners is clearly communicated and fixed from the beginning. The costs for the aligners depend on the complexity of the tooth correction. A distinction is made between mild, moderate, and complex malocclusions.
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