Areas of Expertise · removable braces

removable braces Treatment, Before & After

Removable braces help guide jaw and facial growth from an early age, correct habits such as thumb-sucking, and support speech and swallowing—gently and in a child-friendly way.

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At a Glance

Removable braces are used primarily for children: They promote harmonious jaw and facial growth, support myofunctional therapy (swallowing, speech), and help break habits such as thumb-sucking. A gentle introduction to orthodontic treatment.

Intended primarily for: Children (early treatment)Effect: Growth control & habitsAdvantage: removable & gentle
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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

To promote harmonious facial growth, we use removable appliances for adolescent patients between the ages of 6 and 14.1 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. 

Removable appliances are used primarily during the early growth phase (approximately 6–10 years) to guide jaw growth.1

Loose braces for different needs

The Bionator by Prof. Dr. W. Balters and the Aktivator guide the growth of the lower jaw toward the upper jaw when the lower jaw is set 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! 

This is especially true for children with malocclusions accompanied by head, neck, and back pain, as well as craniomandibular dysfunction (TMD), we frequently use the Bionator as part of aholistic treatment approach.

Myofunctional therapy with loose braces

In cases of abnormal swallowing, a speech disorder, or habitual mouth breathing, we recommendspeech therapyand/ormyofunctionaltherapy.² A special set of removable braces 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:

 

In infants and toddlers up to age three, the tongue may rest between the upper and lower incisors. This type of swallowing is called“infantile swallowing.” In the mouth, there is a balance between the bony structures (jaw and palate) and the surrounding muscles (lips, cheeks, tongue). A change in the surrounding muscles—for example, an open mouth during mouth breathing or infantile swallowing, negatively affects the bony structures. It is always the soft tissues that shape the hard tissues—or, to put it another way:“Form follows function!

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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.

Thumb sucking and treatment with loose braces

Misalignments of the teeth and jaws are partly hereditary, but for the most part they are caused by functional factors. Thumb-sucking, improper swallowing, or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can lead to malocclusion.

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.

It’s often difficult to break the habit of thumb-sucking. We’re here to help you and your child. First, we’ll have a conversation with your child. In some cases, we recommend simple, removable orthodontic appliances, such as a palatal expander. removable braces also be helpful in this situation.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ: removable braces

Tap a question to expand the answer.

How much do removable braces cost?

Die Kosten hängen von Art der Spange und Umfang der Behandlung ab und unterscheiden sich je nach Region und Praxis. Eine lose Zahnspange korrigiert leichtere Fehlstellungen oder stabilisiert nach einer Behandlung das Ergebnis. Besprechen Sie die Kosten und eine mögliche Kassenübernahme vorab mit uns. Ab KIG 3 übernimmt die gesetzliche Krankenkasse die Regelversorgung; der anfängliche Eigenanteil von in der Regel 20 % wird nach erfolgreichem Abschluss der Behandlung zurückerstattet.

Which is better: removable or fixed braces?

That depends on the diagnosis. A fixed braces is suitable for more severe misalignments: It exerts continuous pressure and therefore works faster. A removable braces is suitable for milder cases or to stabilize the final result—and can be removed. We’ll work with you to determine which option best suits your goals.

How and for how long should I wear loose braces each day?

The duration of wear depends on the treatment plan. In most cases, removable braces should be worn removable braces at least 20 hours removable braces ; depending on the case, they may be worn only for a few hours at a time or around the clock. If they are worn too infrequently or for too short a time, treatment will slow down or come to a halt. Follow the wearing instructions and attend your follow-up appointments. You’ll usually get used to the braces within a few days; clean them regularly to prevent discoloration and odors.

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

Trägt man die lose Zahnspange nicht regelmäßig, verlangsamt sich die Zahnbewegung oder kommt zum Stillstand. Bei längeren Pausen können sich die Zähne wieder in die alte Position zurückbewegen – die Behandlung dauert dann länger oder das Ergebnis hält nicht. Tragen Sie die Spange wie empfohlen; bei Problemen sprechen Sie uns an, dann finden wir eine Lösung. Damit sie wirkt, sollte die lose Zahnspange in der Regel 14–16 Stunden pro Tag getragen werden, idealerweise auch nachts.

What is the cheapest brace?

removable braces are usually the most affordable option removable braces they are simpler to manufacture and are not permanently bonded to the teeth. Standard versions made of acrylic or plastic correct minor misalignments and are the least expensive. Higher-quality materials are more durable but also more expensive. The exact cost depends on the diagnosis.

Can you sleep with loose braces?

Yes—many people wear their removable braces to continuously align their teeth. Wearing them at night is especially helpful when the braces are new or have just been adjusted. Once the teeth are stable, they can be removed at night. If you have trouble sleeping with them at first, you can wear them only during the day until you get used to them. The specific instructions from your dentist’s office are what matter most.

How often do you have to clean your loose braces?

Clean your removable braces to prevent bacteria and plaque from building up—this helps protect your braces, teeth, and gums. Recommendation: Rinse them with water after every meal and clean them thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Store them in a clean, dry container and clean the container regularly as well.

How long does it take to get used to removable braces?

The adjustment period varies depending on the type of orthodontic appliance (e.g., retainer, aligner, or functional appliance) and individual sensitivity. In most cases, it takes a few days to a few weeks to get used to it. It helps to wear the appliance regularly, gradually increase the wearing time, and take good care of it.

How quickly do removable braces work?

Eine lose Zahnspange wirkt meist langsamer als eine feste, weil sie weniger stark auf die Zähne einwirkt. Wie schnell sich etwas zeigt, hängt von Grad der Fehlstellung, Alter und täglicher Tragezeit ab – meist dauert es mehrere Wochen bis Monate bis zu einer sichtbaren Veränderung. Voraussetzung ist eine Tragezeit von in der Regel 14–16 Stunden pro Tag; Kontrolltermine sind meist alle 6 bis 8 Wochen nötig.

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

Removable braces, also known as functional orthodontic appliances, are frequently 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 specific direction to correct misalignments. Unlike fixed braces, these appliances can be removed, making them a type of invisible brace. The before-and-after results are usually very pleasing when the appliance is 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.

& Studies

Sources:

  • Batista, K.B.S.L., Thiruvenkatachari, B., Harrison, J.E., & O’Brien, K.D., 2018. Orthodontic treatment for prominent upper front teeth (Class II malocclusion) in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3):CD003452. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003452.pub4

  • Grippaudo, C., Paolantonio, E.G., Antonini, G., Saulle, R., La Torre, G., & Deli, R., 2016. Association between oral habits, mouth breathing, and malocclusion. Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 36(5), pp. 386–394. https://doi.org/10.14639/0392-100X-770

  • de Bittencourt Neto, A. C., Saga, A. Y., Pacheco, A. A., & Tanaka, O. (2015). Therapeutic approach to Class II, Division 1 malocclusion with maxillary functional orthopedics. Dental press journal of orthodontics, 20(4), 99-125. https://doi.org/10.1590/2176-9451.20.4.099-125.sar
  • 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.
  • Fränkel, R., & Fränkel, C. (1983). A functional approach to treatment of skeletal open bite. American Journal of Orthodontics, 84(1), 54-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9416(83)90148-3
  • Marşan G. (2007). Effects of activator and high-pull headgear combination therapy: skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue profile changes. European journal of orthodontics, 29(2), 140-148. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjm003
  • Meng, M., Xie, Y., Cao, J., Yu, Y., Zhou, X., & Zou, J. (2023). Effects of bonded spurs, fixed and removable palatal crib in the early treatment of anterior open bite: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, 163(3), 298-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2022.10.017
  • Jacob, H. B., dos Santos-Pinto, A., & Buschang, P. H. (2014). Dental and skeletal components of Class II open bite treatment with a modified Thurow appliance. Dental press journal of orthodontics, 19(1), 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1590/2176-9451.19.1.019-025.oar
  • Mew, J. R. C. (2004). The postural basis of malocclusion: a philosophical overview. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 126(6), 729-738. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2003.12.019
  • Vogel, D., Ostermann, T., Vogel, H., Loskamp, K., & Fetz, K. (2022). Recommendation of Neurorehabilitation according to the Padovan-Method Neurofunctional Reorganization® for Treating Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review. Complementary Medicine Research, 29(4), 330-361. https://doi.org/10.1159/000522571
  • Liu, Y., Zhou, J. R., Xie, S. Q., Yang, X., & Chen, J. L. (2023). The Effects of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy on Children with OSAHS's Craniomaxillofacial Growth: A Systematic Review. Children (Basel), 10(4), 670. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10040670
  • Almeida, M. R., Henriques, J. F., Almeida, R. R., Almeida-Pedrin, R. R., & Ursi, W. (2004). Treatment effects produced by the Bionator appliance. Comparison with an untreated Class II sample. European journal of orthodontics, 26(1), 65-72. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/26.1.65
  • Koretsi, V., Zymperdikas, V. F., Papageorgiou, S. N., & Papadopoulos, M. A. (2015). Treatment effects of removable functional appliances in patients with Class II malocclusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of orthodontics, 37(4), 418-434. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cju071

Having an urgent problem with your braces?

Is a wire poking you, did you lose a bracket, or did your retainer come loose? On our page “First Aid for Braces Problems,” you’ll find quick self-help tips—and a clear answer on when you should call us.

Questions about removable braces?

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Book an appointment online

Having an urgent problem with your braces?

Is a wire poking you, did you lose a bracket, or did your retainer come loose? On our page “First Aid for Braces Problems,” you’ll find quick self-help tips—and a clear answer on when you should call us.