Plates

A removable appliance is a small orthodontic plate worn to correct early developing problems. It achieves the necessary movement by tipping the teeth using springs, wires and expansion screws that push the teeth into their correct position. The plate may be coloured, or may have a picture placed within the plastic.

The Orthodontist will inspect the plate regularly and will adjust the plastic or wires. The patient is given strict instructions on when to wear the appliance, and when it may be removed.

Commonly you will be told to remove the plate for five activities:

• Eating
• Cleaning (teeth and plate)
• Sports
• Swimming
• Kissing!

When you take the plate out, store it in it's protective box to avoid loss or damage. Do not play with your plate by clicking it in and out with your tongue as this will make it loose. Do not alter the number of hours that you wear your plate without the permission of your Orthodontist, as you will often find that it doesn't fit properly, and you will need to have a new one made.

Never wrap your plate in a napkin in a restaurant as it may well get thrown out at the end of the meal, and always keep your plate away from your family pet, as dogs love to eat plates!

When you first get your plate you will find that it takes a while to get used to. You may even experience some discomfort and possibly some looseness of the teeth. Do not panic, and try to live through this time wearing the plate as much as possible. You will become accustomed to it. Your Orthodontist may tell you to wear the plate just at night in the beginning, until you are more used to it. Speech will be affected at first, but will quickly return to normal. An increase in your saliva flow will occur at first also.

You are responsible for wearing the plate as prescribed. Your treatment will only be successful if you adhere to your instructions. Remember that your Orthodontist has spent eight years of University training, and treated thousands of patients, and will know if you have bent the rules!

It is important that you do not use the front wire to remove your plate, as this will distort it. Take out your plate by using the wires at the back. Clean your plate at least twice a day with toothpaste and toothbrush.

If you loose or damage your plate please do not hesitate to call us. However, a charge may apply for repair or replacement, so keep it in your mouth, or the case we supply you with!