Anatomy Of An Appliance

FIXED OR REMOVABLE APPLIANCE? Many tooth movements can be treated with either. To help you decide which approach is best suited for your patient, SML has created the following criteria checklists: 

Fixed when...

• Bodily movement of teeth is required.
• Anterior bands, brackets, and wires are acceptable to the patient.
• The teeth to be banded have the clinical crown fully exposed.
• The patient has excellent oral hygiene, minimizing the possibility of decay.
• Likelihood of patient wearing a removable appliance is doubtful.

Removable when...

• Bodily movement of teeth is not required. Removable appliances mainly provide a tipping action.
• Esthetics are important. The patient needs an inconspicuous appliance.
• Enough teeth are present and sufficiently erupted for appliance anchorage.
• The patient requires an appliance that does not interfere with proper oral hygiene.
• The patient is cooperative and responsible, i.e. they will wear an appliance as prescribed and will guard against loss or breakage.
• There are economic considerations. Removable appliances require less chair time.