Removable Plates

Gentle Force: Treatment with Removable Orthodontic Plates

In a pediatric orthodontist's toolkit, a removable plate is like a brush in an artist's hand. It is a subtle and very effective tool that allows us, during the most favorable period—a child's growth—to create the right foundation for a future smile. Treatment with removable plates is a classic, proven, and gentle method of early orthodontic intervention.

What is a removable plate and what problems does it solve?

This is a custom-made removable appliance made of hypoallergenic plastic and metal elements that a child can take out and put in on their own. Depending on the design, we use it to:

• Expand the jaw to create space for all permanent teeth.

• Correct the position of individual teeth.

• Normalize the shape of the dental arches.

• Maintain space if a baby tooth was lost too early.

At what age is treatment with plates most effective?

The ideal time for such treatment is during the mixed dentition period, when there are both baby and permanent teeth in the mouth. This is usually at the age of 6 to 10 years. At this time, we can most effectively use the child's growth potential to achieve significant and stable results.

How does the treatment proceed and what does its success depend on?

Treatment with removable appliances is a team effort between the doctor, parents, and the little patient. Success is 100% dependent on discipline. The plate must be worn for 22-23 hours a day, removing it only for eating and brushing teeth. I or the parents will activate the screw according to a special schedule. The average duration of this treatment phase is from 9 to 18 months.