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Loose braces - treatment, before & after

Orthodontist cologne - JUST KFO - Dr. Steinmaier + Kollegen -Loose braces cologne

Loose braces can be useful from an early age. Speech disorders, incorrect swallowing or other malformations can be treated with braces. For very young patients, it is therefore less about correcting misaligned teeth and more about supporting healthy development.

Harmonious facial growth thanks to loose braces

We use removable appliances to control harmonious facial growth in adolescent patients between the ages of 6 and 14. These include

  • Function controller according to Fränkel

  • Bionator according to Balters

  • Active panels

  • Activator

Since every child is different, the oral cavity also differs from patient to patient. At JUST KFO , we JUST KFO treatment individually to the needs of each child. With the help of our digital diagnostics , we determine the optimal position of the jaw joint, which affects the entire body's posture. 

Click here to go directly to the Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs on the topic of loose braces

Loose braces for different needs

TheBionatordeveloped by Prof. Dr. W. Balters and theActivatorcontrol the growth of the lower jaw toward the upper jaw when the lower jaw is too far back.

Thefunctional regulator IIIaccording to Prof. Fränkel, on the other hand, is preferred for reverse overbites.

Thesefunctional orthodontic appliancesare used in children while they are still growing. In boys, this is possible until around the age of 14, and in girls until around the age of 12. Treatment with the Bionator can no longer be carried out in adults! 

Especially for children with jaw misalignments in connection with head, neck, and back pain, as well as craniomandibular dysfunction (TMD), we often use the Bionator as part of aholistic treatment approach.

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Myofunctional therapy with loose braces

Orthodontics cologne - JUST KFO - Dr. Steinmaier + Kollegen -Kinder Kieferorthopaedie

In cases of incorrect swallowing, speech disorders, or habitual mouth breathing, we recommendspeech therapyand/ormyofunctional therapy. Special removable braces are then used.

Normal swallowing and a normal tongue position shape the upper jaw in childhood. This creates important conditions for jaw growth and speech development.

The following orthodontic problems can arise as a result oftongue dysfunction:

  • Narrow upper jaw

  • Crossbite

  • open bite

  • Protrusion of the incisors

 

In infants and toddlers up to the age of three, the tongue may lie between the upper and lower incisors. This type of swallowing is called"infantile swallowing." There is a balance in the mouth between the hard structures (jaw and palate) and the surrounding muscles (lips, cheeks, tongue). A change in the surrounding muscles, e.g., an open mouth whenbreathing through the mouthor infantile swallowing, negatively affects the fixed structure. It is always the soft tissues that shape the hard tissues, or in other words: "Form follows function!"

Speech therapy and / or myofunctional therapy

If we or the pediatrician detect incorrect swallowing, aspeech disorder, orhabitual mouth breathing, we recommend speech therapy and/or myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy involves practicing the correctresting position of the tongue on the palate, followed by gradual training in the new swallowing movement. This must then be automated so that your child swallows correctly ("somatic") even when they are not thinking about it, e.g., while sleeping.

In speech therapy, myofunctional therapy is combined with exercises to improve articulation. If there is a neurological dysfunction such as constant right/left confusion, neurological reorganisation (e.g.Padovan therapy) should be carried out. This should precede speech therapy and myofunctional therapy.

Myofunctional therapy can be supported with a bionator or functional regulator.

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"What does the position of the teeth have to do with speech and the interaction of the muscles in the mouth? Can you do something wrong when swallowing? Why does the pacifier get in the way? What causes an unfavorable posture? You will know the answers to all these questions after reading this book!

Further information:
German Society for Speech and Language Therapy Education (dgs)
German Federal Association of Speech and Language Pathologists (dbs)

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Thumb sucking and treatment with loose braces

Tooth and jaw misalignments are partly hereditary, but are largely caused by functional factors.Thumb sucking, incorrect swallowing, or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can lead to malformations of the masticatory system.

Sucking should stop at the end of the oral phase, i.e. by the age of three. However, 60-80% of 3-4 year olds continue to suck beyond this age. Serious consequences can be expected for the permanent dentition if sucking continues after the age of 5.

Thepacifieris generally less harmful than thumb sucking. A properly shaped pacifier leads to fewer malformations of the masticatory organs and is also easier to wean off than thumb sucking.

Orthodontist cologne - JUST KFO - Dr. Steinmaier + Kollegen - Myofunctional therapy
Kieferorthopaede cologne - JUST KFO - Dr. Steinmaier + Kollegen - Professional advice

It is often difficult to break sucking habits. We want to help you and your child with this. First, we will talk to your child. In some cases, we recommend simple orthodontic, removable appliances such as the oral vestibule plate. Loose braces can also help with this.

In addition, your child can hand in their pacifier to the pacifier fairy or learn from the thumb princess what happens to the thumb king when they suck their thumb. A sucking calendar also helps to stop thumb sucking. Ask about the next appointment and we will find the right solution for your child in our practice.

"Download "Lollipop calendar

How much does a loose brace cost?

The cost of removable braces depends on various factors and can vary depending on the type of braces and the scope of treatment. Removable braces are often used as an orthodontic measure to correct misaligned teeth or to stabilize the teeth in their new position following orthodontic treatment.

The exact costs also depend on the region and the orthodontist performing the treatment. It is important to discuss the costs with the orthodontist in advance and to find out about the possibilities of having the costs covered by health insurance.

Which is better loose or fixed braces?

The decision between loose and fixed braces depends on various factors, such as the individual dental problem and the treatment time. Fixed braces are more suitable for severe cases of misaligned teeth where more extensive correction is required. They can be more effective as they exert continuous pressure on the teeth and therefore provide faster results.

Removable braces, on the other hand, are more suitable for milder cases of misaligned teeth in order to stabilize the results of orthodontic treatment that has already been completed. They are also often an option for patients who prefer invisible or removable braces for aesthetic reasons.

It is important that you speak with a qualified orthodontist to determine the best option for your individual needs and goals.

How and how long should you wear removable braces each day?

The wearing time for loose braces can vary and depends on the individual treatment plan. In general, loose braces should be worn for at least 20 hours a day to achieve the desired effect. In some cases, it may be necessary to wear the braces during the day and at night, while in other cases a wearing time of only a few hours a day may be sufficient.

It is important to follow the dentist's or orthodontist's wearing instructions exactly in order to achieve the best possible result. If loose braces are not worn regularly and for long enough periods of time, treatment may be slowed down or even stopped. Regular check-ups with the dentist or orthodontist should also be made to ensure that the braces are working properly.

It can take a few days or weeks to get used to wearing loose braces. There may be a slight discomfort at first, but patients should usually get used to them quickly. It is also important to clean the braces regularly to ensure optimal hygiene and avoid discoloration or odors.

What happens if you don't wear your loose braces?

If you do not wear your loose braces regularly, this can affect the treatment results. Wearing loose braces should help to move the teeth into the desired position and keep them there. If the braces are not worn regularly, this process can slow down or even stop completely.

If the braces are not worn for a longer period of time, it can also happen that the teeth move back into their original position. This can result in the treatment taking longer or the teeth not remaining in the desired position after the treatment has been completed.

It is therefore important to wear the removable braces as recommended and to care for them regularly. If you have any problems wearing the braces, be sure to talk to your orthodontist to find possible solutions.

What is the cheapest brace?

The cheapest type of braces is usually loose braces. These are cheaper than fixed braces as they are made from a less expensive material and are not attached to the teeth. The cost can vary depending on the type of malocclusion and the material from which the loose braces are made.

Standard loose braces are generally the cheapest option and are usually made of acrylic or plastic. They are used to correct minor tooth misalignments and can also be used to treat jaw misalignments in many cases.

There are also more expensive versions of loose braces that are made from higher quality materials, such as ceramic or titanium. These materials are more resistant and durable than conventional plastic material. However, such braces can be more expensive than conventional loose braces.

Can you sleep with loose braces?

A removable dental appliance is designed to be worn in the mouth to move the teeth into the desired position.

Many patients wear their removable braces at night as well in order to achieve continuous adjustment of the teeth. However, it is important to remember that every patient is different and therefore requires individual recommendations. The dentist or orthodontist can therefore provide specific instructions on when the removable braces should be worn.

In general, loose braces should be worn at night if they are new or if the patient has recently had a brace adjustment. This helps to speed up progress and ensure that the teeth remain in the correct position. However, if the teeth are already well positioned and the patient feels comfortable, the loose braces can be removed at night.

It is also important to note that some patients may have difficulty sleeping with loose braces, especially in the first few weeks or months after starting treatment. In this case, it may be helpful to wear the loose braces only during the day and take them out at night until the patient gets used to them. However, it is important to follow the instructions of the dentist or orthodontist in order to achieve the best possible treatment success.

How often do you have to clean your loose braces?

It is recommended that you clean your loose braces regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque on the braces. This not only prolongs the durability of the braces, but also prevents possible damage to the teeth and gums. Experts recommend rinsing loose braces with water after every meal and cleaning them thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

It is also important to store the braces in a clean and dry container to prevent bacterial growth. It is recommended to clean and replace the container regularly to ensure optimal hygiene.

Overall, proper care of loose braces is very important to maintain oral health and ensure successful treatment.

When do you get used to loose braces?

Wearing loose braces can be a little unfamiliar at first and take some time to get used to. How long it takes to get used to it depends on various factors.

First of all, the type of braces plays a role. There are different types of removable braces, for example retainers, aligners, or functional regulators. Depending on the type of braces worn, the adjustment period may vary.

Another factor is individual sensitivity. Some people find wearing braces uncomfortable or annoying, while for others it is barely noticeable. The duration and frequency of wearing braces can also play a role. The longer and more often the braces are worn, the faster the body can get used to them.

In general, however, it can be assumed that the body will get used to wearing loose braces within a few days to weeks. During this time, it can be helpful to wear the braces regularly and slowly increase the wearing time to get the body used to the braces. Good oral hygiene and regular cleaning of the braces can also help the wearer to get used to the braces more quickly.

How quickly do loose braces work?

Loose braces usually work more slowly than fixed braces, as they do not act as strongly on the teeth. The exact time it takes to see results depends on various factors, such as the degree of misalignment of the teeth, the age of the patient and the length of time the braces are worn daily. However, it usually takes several weeks or months before a visible change in tooth alignment can be noticed.

The use and advantages and disadvantages of loose braces for children and adolescents

Loose braces, also known as functional orthodontic appliances, are often used in children and adolescents to influence the growth and development of the jaw. These appliances include the activator, the bionator and the Fränkel functional regulator. These braces have active elements that redirect the jaw in a certain direction to correct misalignments. Unlike fixed braces, these appliances can be removed, making them a type of invisible brace. The results of braces before and after are also generally pleasing when worn regularly.

Another common appliance is the active plate, which is also removable and is used to correct slight misalignments. Despite the advantages that loose braces offer, they also have disadvantages. They require a high level of patient compliance, as they need to be worn frequently to be effective, and they can be less precise than fixed braces. Therefore, after the loose braces phase, fixed braces are often used for fine-tuning.

Sources:

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  • Mahfouz, M., & Mahfouz, Y. (2015). Orthodontic Management of Occlusal Prematurity in Early Mixed Dentition. Open Journal of Stomatology, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.4236/ojst.2015.52006.
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