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ORTHODONTIC LECTURE 7
Introduction
Removable appliances are best used in simple malocclusions where only tipping of teeth is
required, or as an adjunct to fixed appliance therapy. They are relatively easy to use, but
cannot be used routinely in the lower arch because they encroach on tongue space and
retention is poor.
Design Elements
Force (Activation)
Retention (Fixation)
Anchorage
Baseplate (including bite planes)
Force Activation
Neat and, as long as they are activated correctly, provide light continuous force. .
Many types are available. Most easily divided into those for retroclining or those for
proclining (individual teeth or groups of teeth). Typically fabricated from 0.5mm SS.
Z spring )
T spring ) Proclination or labial movement
Safety pin spring )
ii) Screws
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Bulky
Intermittent force
Rely on patient for activation
Useful for moving blocks of teeth
Pitch 0.2mm per ¼ turn
Retention Fixation
A) Posterior
B) Anterior
Anchorage
Is the source of resistance to force generated in reaction to the active components, e.g. when
moving canines distally the anchor teeth will move mesially. The amount of mesial movement
of the anchor teeth is determined by force, number of teeth in anchor unit, and their resistance
to movement. The root area of the teeth is the important factor when considering their
anchorage potential.
In an upper removable appliance the anchorage is supplied by all teeth contacting the
baseplate, and the bone of the palatal vault. Anchorage can be supplemented by the addition
of headgear.
Baseplate
Is made of methylmethacrylate resin and carries other components. Can be formed into bite
planes which can clear occlusal interferences and reduce deep overbites.
Decreases over bite. Opens bite sufficiently so that upper and lower incisor tips are at
the same level, discluding the posterior teeth. This leads to passive over eruption of
posterior teeth thus opening the bite. Once removed however there will be a space
between the incisors, which must be controlled, otherwise the overbite will relapse.
Flat anterior bite planes will only work predictably in growing patients.
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ii) Inclined anterior bite plane
Sometimes used after a functional appliance to maintain the postured bite, however
they tend to just procline lower incisors.
Remove occlusal interferences by capping the posterior teeth. Used when incisors or
buccal segments are to be pushed over the bite.
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SOME USEFUL DESIGNS
1. Hawley Retainer
Cribs 6|6
2. Expand Crossbite
Cribs 64|46
Midline screw
Molar capping
Cribs 64|46
Molar capping
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