Removable appliances

Plate appliances are preferably used for transversal dental arch expansion, for tipping individual tooth movement, for overlapping crossbites (frontal and lateral) and for straightening front teeth.

The advantages of plate appliances are their use irrespective of dental status and diphyodontia, the ability to be worn throughout the day, the reduced danger of dental stress and thus of root resorptions and the almost painless treatment. The disadvantages of plate appliances are that they enable tipping tooth movements only, i.e., extensive tooth movement cannot be achieved.

The application of functional orthodontic (FO) appliances utilise the body's own forces. They cause a positional change in the teeth and jaw base by changing the functional pattern of the tongue, lip, cheek, chewing and mouth base muscles (summarised as orofacial muscles). Functional orthodontic appliances are constructed in such a way that both jaws can bite; they are therefore also called bimaxillary devices. The biting properties of both jaws enable a defined functional relationship between the upper and lower jaw.

A biologically compatible and gentle treatment is possible if the indication is given and the patient cooperates well. FO therapy leads to good functional results. FO devices can be applied irrespective of dentition, even in defective dentition. The use of the body's own forces prevents overloading and root resorption, the treatment is pain free and cleansing is unimpeded.