Short answer: A removable plate is an orthodontic appliance made of an acrylic base and wire clasps that can be put in and taken out. It is mostly used in children for simple tooth movements, limited expansion or breaking habits, and to be effective it must be worn for most of the day as instructed by the orthodontist.
When is it used?
- Correcting a single tooth in crossbite
- Correcting mild crowding and tooth tipping
- Limited expansion to gain space for the teeth
- Helping to break habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrust
- Retention after treatment
How is it put in?
- Hold the plate with both hands and line it up with the teeth.
- Press gently with your fingertips over the areas where the clasps are.
- Do not bite the plate into place with your teeth; the wires can bend.
Turning the screw on plates with a screw
Some removable plates have an expansion screw. The screw is turned with the plate out of the mouth, as often and in the direction the orthodontist specifies. After turning, the plate may feel a little tight; this is expected. For fixed expansion appliances, see our article on the palatal expander.
Points to note in daily use
- Ask the orthodontist whether it should be removed for eating; when it is out, keep it in its case.
- Clean the plate every day with a soft brush.
- Do not wash it in hot water; the acrylic can change shape.
- Do not continue with a plate that is broken or does not fit; let the clinic know.
For an overview of treatment options for children, read our page on orthodontic treatment for children.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a day should a removable plate be worn?
In most treatments it should be worn for most of the day; the exact time is set by the orthodontist.
Does a removable plate affect speech?
A slight lisp may occur in the first days; it usually fades within a week or two.
Removable plate or clear aligner?
The two are used for different purposes; which one suits a child is determined by examination.
Which appliance is right for you?
Which appliance is needed is decided after age, growth stage and the condition of the teeth and jaws have been assessed by examination and X-rays. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we discuss the options with you during the first orthodontic examination. To see all types of appliance in one place, take a look at our guide to orthodontic appliances.
