Troubleshooting:
Removable plates
In order to help us identify any difficulties you are having it is important that you can assist us in identifying the cause of the problem by using the following list to identify the main parts of your removable plate.
We have also included what is likely to cause an issue with each component and what could happen if the problem is not corrected.
Please notify as soon as possible if you notice anything you are unsure about.
It is important to always wash your hands before handling any removable appliance.
Removable plates can be single arch, being just on one jaw – usually the upper. These plates are used to move single teeth or prevent undue tooth wear at night caused by grinding.
Some removable plates are upper and lower plates that interlock, and these are used to improve the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. These removable plates are called functional appliances.
Problems arising from all removable plates tend to occur more often if the plate is:
Removed more often than needs be,
Played with, including snapping the plate down from your teeth with your tongue,
Left lying around and not kept in its plastic box, or
Left in the reach of pets, typically dogs.
These problems include:
A fractured clasp, where the tiny wire holding the plate to a tooth becomes broken.
A fractured plate, where the plastic part of the plate is broken.
The plate becomes loose, usually because the claps have become stretched and need tightening
The plate doesn’t fit properly – either because it hasn’t been worn enough and the teeth have moved slightly or because a baby tooth is loose with a new tooth erupting underneath.
Wearing a slightly loose plate just at night may help. It is best to avoid problems by taking proper care or your plate and not playing with them when they are being worn. Call us if you are uncertain or are having problems.