Orthodontic Plates

 

Orthodontic Plates

These appliances are easily removed and cleaned and are less complicated and less costly than fixed braces. They can also be made for younger patients who have yet to obtain most of their permanent teeth. However, their use is limited to simple tooth corrections and is not an alternative to treatment.

Orthodontic problems such as crossbites, finger or thumb-sucking habits and space maintenance can be corrected using these appliances. This can, in some cases, eliminate the need for more complex orthodontic treatment at a later date.

Steps involved when using an Upper Removable Appliance

  1. Records
    Models of the teeth will be taken in order for the plate to be constructed to fit the teeth and mouth accurately. We also normally take some photos and x-rays of the teeth. Generally the URA is fitted a week to ten days after these models are taken.
  2. Fitting the URA
    At this visit tests the fit of the plate and adjusts it to fit properly and comfortably in your mouth. Any wires, screws or springs being used to help correct the orthodontic problem are also activated at this time.

    You will be very aware of the feeling of the plate at this time. The effect on your speech will last for a few days before you learn to talk confidently with the brace in place. Eating with the brace will be difficult to begin with and it will take time to adapt. You will find the whole process much easier to deal with if the brace is left in place as much as possible in the initial few days and is not constantly being taken in and out of the mouth.

  3. Adjustment visits
    At the subsequent regular visits we will check the fit, comfort and cleanliness of the plate and teeth. We will also be checking on the amount of tooth movement achieved.
  4. Retention
    To correct the teeth, light forces are applied by the plate as constantly as possible to achieve tooth movement. Once the bite has been corrected there is usually a period of time when the brace will be worn at nights only to allow the teeth to stabilise in their new positions.


Wearing your URA

It is extremely important that you take good care of the plate and wear it as instructed. You will now be quite aware of the feeling of the plate. The effect on speech will last for a few days before you learn to talk confidently with the plate in place. The strange taste will disappear within the next few hours. Eating with the plate will take time to adapt.

In crossbite cases it is extremely important that you wear the plate while you are eating.
Your next visit
We will check the fit, comfort and cleanliness of the plate and teeth. We will also be checking on the amount of tooth movement achieved. Please contact us if you have any concerns or problems with your plate in between adjustments appointments.

How to keep your plate clean
You must brush the plate and your teeth after meals using your usual toothbrush and toothpaste. It is important that you brush the roof of your mouth as well as your teeth. Take the plate out to clean it and brush both sides thoroughly. If you are away from home and cannot brush your teeth after eating, remove the plate and rinse with water.

Also rinse your mouth to remove any food before wearing it again. Occasionally you may wish to freshen up the plate by soaking it in a mouthwash or using a denture cleaning agent (eg Sterident). Please do not place the plate in bleach or boiling water.

Handle the plate with CARE

Use the special plastic box to safely store the plate while it is not being worn.

Do not leave the plate in the vicinity of pets, young children or napkins.

Take care with the small clasps and springs as these may get caught in clothing and become distorted.

Please take the plate in and out of the mouth as directed, usually using the clasps around the back teeth.

Do not get into the habit of constantly clicking the plate on and off the teeth with your tongue. This will loosen the clasps and eventually weaken the wires leading to breakages.

When to wear the plate
You will be instructed on when to wear the plate. In most cases it will be initially full time, ie as close to 24 hours of wear per day as possible.

There are three general exceptions:

  • Cleaning the teeth and plate
  • Playing contact sports
  • Swimming

How the plate works
To correct the teeth, the forces applied by the plate must be as constant as possible to achieve maximum tooth movement. Once the bite has been corrected there is usually a period of time when the brace will be worn at nights only to allow the teeth to stabilise in their new positions. The treatment duration is very much dependent upon how well you follow these instructions. If you cannot wear the brace as instructed for any reason please contact us as soon as possible.

Losing or breaking your plate
Remember, plates that are not kept in the mouth or in the plastic box are inevitably lost or broken. Repairs are generally carried out without an additional cost.

However a replacement fee is charged if the plate is lost or broken beyond repair and a replacement plate is required.

Informed Consent for Upper Removable Appliance Treatment

Introduction
Committing to orthodontic treatment is a rewarding decision. A beautiful smile and healthy appearance are important assets. Improvement in these can greatly improve ones self confidence. Crooked or crowded teeth can also be a health risk causing tooth decay and gum disease. Extreme cases can cause excessive wear on tooth surfaces, stress on the bones and even cause the jaw joints to move out of alignment.

Risks and limitations
As with any medical treatment there are some risks and limitations to orthodontics. It is important to consider these when making the decision to undergo treatment. Fortunately with orthodontic treatment complications are infrequent and if they do occur are usually minor.

Oral hygiene
Gum disease, tooth decay and permanent markings (decalcification) on the teeth can occur if orthodontic patients do not brush and floss their teeth frequently or properly. These same problems occur without orthodontic treatment but the risk is greater to an individual wearing appliances. It is important to maintain excellent (not just good) oral hygiene.

Tooth vitality
Sometimes the nerve of a tooth that has been traumatised by a previous accident (even a minor blow) or had a large filling placed may die or discolour over a period of time with or without orthodontic treatment. Although orthodontic treatment does not cause this problem it may aggravate it. In rare instances root canal treatment or bleaching of the tooth by your dentist may be required.

Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to the material used in treatment have been known to happen in very rare cases.

Treatment time
You will be given an estimated time required to complete your treatment based on clinical experience and similar cases. Occasionally treatment time may exceed our estimate for various reasons. Lack of growth, variation in response to treatment, poor co-operation, broken appliances and missed appointments are factors which can lengthen treatment and affect the quality of the result. The patients who follow these instructions get the best results.

How can a patient help?
The time spent with the orthodontist is a fraction of the overall treatment time and most changes occur over time during everyday activities.

As a patient it is important for you to do the following things:

  • Maintain excellent (not just good) oral hygiene
  • Wear the appliance as instructed
  • Look after your URA and avoid activities and food which could damage it
  • Minimise sweet and acidic foods and drinks to help keep the teeth healthy
  • Keep all appointments as scheduled
  • Attend your dentist or school dental therapist for regular check ups

These appliances are easily removed and cleaned and are less complicated and less costly than fixed braces. They can also be made for younger patients who have yet to obtain most of their permanent teeth. However, their use is limited to simple tooth corrections and is not an alternative to treatment.

Orthodontic problems such as crossbites, finger or thumb-sucking habits and space maintenance can be corrected using these appliances. This can, in some cases, eliminate the need for more complex orthodontic treatment at a later date.