Loose braces

A loose brace is a dental appliance that serves to straighten the jaw and teeth. In contrast to fixed braces, loose braces can be removed from the mouth by the patient himself/herself and then reattached. For this reason, loose braces are often called removable braces.

Loose, removable braces are made in the dental laboratory using a model of the jaw and teeth. Before making the appliances, a so-called dental impression (actually an impression) of the upper and lower jaw has to be taken. Based on these impressions a plaster model can then be cast in the laboratory.

A distinction is made between active plates for the upper and lower jaws and functional orthodontic appliances (FKO appliances for short). Active plates are particularly suitable for children between the ages of 9 and 14 years, as young patients are still changing their teeth at this time. They can be made in the dental laboratory in different colors or with individual motives.

With the help of these removable braces, sufficient space can be created in the jaw before the teeth break through and gaps between teeth that are too narrow can be widened. Functional orthodontic appliances (FKO appliances), on the other hand, are used to influence the growth of the jaw in such a way that a normal bite position is achieved (neutral occlusion). They are therefore used to correct so-called deep bites (teeth lie too low on top of each other, usually the incisors of the lower jaw are no longer visible when biting) or open bites.Once such loose removable braces are in place, it is of utmost importance that patients adhere strictly to the treatment plan.

The exact wearing time of a brace per day and each check-up appointment should be observed without interruption, because only in this way can the success of the treatment be guaranteed and the wearing time kept as short as possible. A loose brace is removed from the oral cavity for cleaning. It can be cleaned with a conventional toothbrush and some soap.

It is sufficient to brush the braces and then rinse them with water. Toothpaste is not recommended because the plastic of the braces is sensitive and can be damaged, literally sanded down, by the abrasive particles of the toothpaste. In case of discoloration or hard deposits, the braces can be put into a bath of dissolved braces cleaner or a solution of diluted acetic acid and water about once a week to loosen the deposits.

However, if used too often, the plastic can also be damaged, so it is recommended to use it only once a week. However, the intended frequency of use is printed on the packaging of the cleaning tablets and can be read there. The most gentle form of cleaning is in an ultrasonic device, in which the loose braces are placed for three to five minutes.

This type of cleaning can be used daily without damaging plastic or braces. The costs for a loose brace, including the impressions and the laboratory costs, are between 250 and 300 Euros. In addition, however, there is the orthodontic fee and the treatment itself, which can take between half a year and two years.

The Kieferorthopäde provides an annual plan, in which it plans, how fast it wants to be with which goal of a therapy. If the patient finishes the treatment faster than the calculated time due to the actual displacement of the teeth, the treatment becomes cheaper, or more expensive if the therapy takes longer. For a therapy plan for one year with loose braces, the price is about a thousand euros upwards.

It depends on which braces are needed and how extensive the treatment will be. In some cases, loose braces are only one step in the therapy until a fixed appliance follows. Then the costs of both treatment steps add up and can reach several thousand Euros until the therapy goal is reached.

Loose braces are usually worn during the day and at night. Depending on the statement of the orthodontist, this should be done at least 16 hours a day to move the teeth. A shorter wearing time keeps the teeth in their current position.

If the braces are worn too short, the teeth quickly move back into their old position, thus destroying the success of the last weeks. Once the treatment is completed, the bite is also stable. However, the process until then is long and unstable.

Loose braces are only useful in childhood, because the teeth and jaws can be shifted due to the existing growth. With some braces, the child should independently stretch the braces apart with turns of a screw, for example, to promote the growth of the upper jaw. They are usually used for one to three years until they are either completely finished or until a fixed appliance is inserted to continue the therapy. In adulthood, loose braces would not bring any treatment success, since only fixed appliances can cause movement due to the lack of growth. Loose braces are only used here in order to be worn at night after the therapy during the retention phase.