An Overview of Removable Orthodontic Appliances in the U.K.

An Overview of Removable Orthodontic Appliances in the U.K.

Surrey Orthodontics Limited104 35 Monument Hill, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8RN Phone: 01932 831 825

Dental-related problems are on the rise, so dentists are introducing new treatments that can help patients solve them in the easiest and least painful way possible. A good example is removable orthodontic appliances. Thanks to advances in technology, patients no longer have to stick with permanent methods and have difficulties eating or cleaning their teeth.

How Removable Orthodontic Appliances Became Popular A study published on the British Dental Journal reports that at the beginning of the 20th century, orthodontics in the U.K. were removable appliances made of vulcanite baseplate. Materials may have changed over the years, but these appliances remained as the leading means of orthodontic treatment in Europe for the following years.

In 1948, the founding of the National Health Service (NHS) gave more way for removable orthodontic appliances to reach the public. The Dental Estimates Board and Department of Health advisers noted that removable appliances may be the most affordable way of providing orthodontic care in the U.K.

The Main Types of Orthodontic Treatment Appliances The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) noted that there are different types of orthodontic appliances that dentists use for treatment nowadays. These may lead to even better results if patients follow the dietary advice of their dentist, maintain good oral hygiene, and wear appliances and retainers as instructed.

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Fixed Braces – Available in metal, ceramic, self-ligating and lingual options, dentists use these depending on the condition of their patients.

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Removable Aligners – These involve plastic appliances (usually available in clear to make them look invisible) that cover the palate and clip some teeth.

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Headgears – These do not count as an orthodontic appliance, but dentists use them along with other appliances that their patients wear at night.

As more people live a busy lifestyle, they want appliances that are not too bothersome.

Removable orthodontic appliances give patients more freedom when it comes to wearing treatments that help improve the condition of their teeth.

Sources: http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v196/n1/full/4810872a.html http://www.bos.org.uk/Public-Patients/Orthodontics-for-ChildrenTeens/Treatment-brace-types/Removable-appliances http://www.surreybraces.co.uk/