Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia - Sam Wong Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia
Dr Wong and Dr Leivesley are always up to date with new advances in orthodontics. benefit from Dr Leivesley’s or Dr Wong’s skill, care and experience – and in orthodontics, experience counts!
Braces Information: Fixed Braces, Treatment in general, parts of the braces and elastics
Orthodontic Appliances: Retainers, Removable Plates, CBJ Appliance and Invisalign Invisible Aligners and Braces
Children's Orthodontist: Orthodontic Treatment for children and early childhood treatment
Brushing with Braces: Information on maintenance of your braces
Orthodontist Queensland Australia - Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia
Dr Sam Wong is a professionally qualified orthodontist in Brisbane Queensland Australia offering latest technology in orthodontics including invisalign invisible braces, clear sapphire braces and other orthodontic services.
 

Removable Appliances - If you don’t wear them, they don’t work!

Removable appliances are not braces. Unlike conventional braces which are used to move teeth and are attached directly to the teeth, removable appliances are used in different ways:

• Some are used to create space in the mouth and can expand the arch to correct bite problems.

• Others are used to retain teeth in their correct positions.

• In addition, they are often used before, and in conjunction with, fixed appliances (Braces).

Removable appliances are not used for all orthodontic problems. It takes skill and experience to recognise conditions that will respond favourably to removable appliances. Timing of such therapy is also very important. Your orthodontist is a specialist, trained to make such decisions.

Since removable appliances can easily be removed by the patient, there may be a tendency not to wear them as prescribed. This means running to risk of having teeth, jaws and muscles move back to their original positions. You certainly do not want that to happen!

At first you may notice an effort on eating and speaking. As with anything you place in your mouth, removable appliances may increase the flow of saliva. After you get used to wearing and caring for your appliance, you will see how easy it is to follow simple instructions that can help you maintain a great smile.

The removable appliance may cause initial tooth soreness. Persist, but in extreme cases it may need to be removed for a few hours and then replaced. Over 2 – 3 days this discomfort usually disappears but if it continues or worsens please contact the surgery.

Tips for wear and care
• The appliance must be worn at all times except when cleaning, playing water sports or otherwise directed.

• Failure to wear the appliance full time will slow down or prevent successful tooth movement or, with holding plates (retainers) allow teeth to move back to their original positions.

• Wear your appliance as directed by your orthodontist. It only works when you wear it!

• Keep your appliance clean and in its case when you are not wearing it. Don’t wrap it up in tissue or place it in your bag. It may get lost or broken!

• Do not put your appliance in hot water or near anything that is hot. Heat can distort the plate.

Remember, the key to orthodontic treatment with a removable appliance is wearing it, not removing it!

Cleaning of Removable Appliances:
• Remove appliance after every meal and clean your teeth and appliance with toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Rinse with cold water only as hot water may distort appliance.

• Clean particularly the surface where the plate fits against the teeth and plate.

Broken or lost appliances
• Broken appliances should be reported to the surgery immediately so the receptionist can arrange an appointment to have the appliance repaired by the technician.

• Some times there will be a need for a new impression of the teeth. The receptionist will let you know. You will then need an appointment to have the appliance fitted by the orthodontist.

• Lost appliances should be reported to the surgery immediately so the receptionist can arrange an appointment to have a new appliance made by the technician. In most cases an impression of the teeth is required and then an additional appointment to have the appliance fitted by the orthodontist.

Lost appliances will be charged for on replacement. This fee is $100.00.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to call the surgery as we are more than happy to help you.