What is mobile orthodontics and how is it different from fixed orthodontics?

**Movable orthodontics** is a type of **dental orthodontics** device that can be easily removed and placed without brackets and is used to correct mild to moderate dental and jaw deformities. These devices are usually made of plastic or acrylic and include types such as clear plates (Invisalign), spring-loaded and functional plates for children. Treatment with removable orthodontics is simpler, requires ongoing cooperation, and usually lasts 6 months to 2 years. This method is suitable for improving comfort, maintaining better oral hygiene and reducing costs compared to fixed orthodontics, but it is less useful for severe problems. What is movable orthodontics? Movable orthodontics are a type of dental orthodontic devices that do not use brackets; But they can to some extent fix mild to moderate abnormalities and gaps between the teeth and the jaw. Usually, they are also called orthodontic plaques, which are similar to tooth molds and can be easily placed and removed, but their main use is to fix the invisible between the teeth. These plaques are usually made of plastic or acrylic or special glass. Removable orthodontic devices include types such as transparent plates (Invisalign), retainers and functional plates. **Types of movable orthodontic plates** Movable orthodontic plates have different types of defects, each of which is suitable for certain people and has its own properties and characteristics, which are fully explained below. ### **Invisible movable orthodontics, movable orthodontic wire** These plates are usually made of transparent plastic and cannot be seen and recognized easily. These plaques are also called invisible plaques or clear aligners and must be replaced every 2 weeks to prevent the teeth from moving to other areas, which are usually used for mild to moderate deformities. ### **Movable plate with Z-shaped spring (single-jaw movable orthodontics)** These types of plaques are usually used to bring front teeth that are behind other teeth. This plaque puts pressure on the teeth and pulls them forward. ### **Functional plate (movable orthodontics for children)** Functional plates are specially used to solve the problem of the front of the upper jaw or the back of the lower jaw. This problem can often be seen in teenagers and children, which can be treated with this method. This method can apply pressure to both jaws and align both of them and eliminate the misalignment between the jaws. ### **Retainer (orthodontic stabilizer)** Usually, after performing orthodontics, both fixed models and mobile models, an orthodontic holder or retainer should be used. After the orthodontic treatment is finished, the duty of the retainers is to keep the position of the teeth stable so that it does not return to the previous position or the position of the teeth does not get disturbed. **Movable orthodontic steps** The procedures for this orthodontics are much easier than fixed orthodontics, which can be described in the following order. 1. First, the dentist examines the teeth, takes photographs and imaging, and gives you advice before performing removable orthodontics. 2. Then a traditional or digital mold is made of your teeth so that it can be used to make plaques. 3. After the plaques are made in the laboratory, they will be delivered to you and the orthodontist will give you the necessary training. 4. For clear plates and aligners, you should visit the orthodontist once every two weeks to change them. 5. You must visit a dentist or orthodontist once every 40 days for a complete examination of the condition of the teeth and plaques. The duration of orthodontic treatment usually lasts between 6 months and 2 years, and mobile orthodontics must be used on the teeth for at least 22 hours a day. **Benefits and application of mobile orthodontics** **Advantages and disadvantages of removable orthodontics** **Complications of movable orthodontics** - Pain and discomfort at the beginning and when tightening the screws. - Difficulty in speaking and speech at the beginning of use. - The possibility of having an allergy to orthodontic materials. - Lost or broken and damaged license plates. - The need to regularly wash the plates regularly and daily. - The need for regular use to get the main and final result. - The possibility of reversibility of distance and deformity of teeth and jaws if plaques and orthodontic retainers are not used regularly. - The possibility of irritation and erosion or receding of the gums during the use of removable orthodontics. **How to use movable orthodontics** - It is better to use the plates for 22 hours during the day to get better results. - During the day, you can remove the license plates for 2 consecutive or non-consecutive hours. - When eating and brushing your teeth, you should remove the plaques from your mouth and observe all the hygiene tips before and after putting them on. - At the beginning of use, you will feel uncomfortable and tired, which is normal and will be resolved over time. - Be sure to keep the plates in a special and moist box when not in use. - Avoid eating hard and sticky foods. - In case of not using it regularly, there is a possibility that the plaque will not fit in the mouth and this issue can cause disruption in orthodontic treatment. **Movable orthodontic treatments** - Be sure to clean and wash the orthodontic plaques twice a day with lukewarm water, soap and a soft toothbrush. - Never use toothpaste to clean plaques. - Be sure to wash them once with lukewarm water to remove bacteria, especially before and after eating food. - If you don't use the plaques, put them in lukewarm water in a container. - Be sure to remove the plaques from the mouth while swimming, eating or exercising. - Do not put license plates in a pocket or tissue. - Be sure to put plaques in a special washing solution once a week. - Be sure not to forget oral and dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing. - In case of any fracture or damage to the plaques, see an orthodontist. **Difference between movable and fixed orthodontics** In the table below, we have fully examined the difference between fixed orthodontics and mobile orthodontics, and you can choose whether mobile or fixed orthodontics is better. **Cost and price of removable orthodontics** The exact cost of this orthodontics depends on the type of treatment, the dentist's expertise, the number of jaws, the location of the clinic and the duration of the treatment. To inquire about the exact cost, you can contact Dr. Aso Hamzei Dental Center. In addition, according to the patient's condition and special conditions, it is possible to pay the orthodontic fee in installments. **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **Is movable orthodontics better or fixed?** This orthodontics is better for correcting bone deformities such as the jaw in children and teenagers under 12 years of age and has the ability to come out of the mouth, but for severe dental problems and more precise arrangement of teeth, fixed orthodontics is recommended. ### **Is it possible to use removable orthodontics for children?** It is possible to use this orthodontics for children, especially between the ages of 7 and 10 when the milk teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are growing. In children, it is usually used to guide simple movements of the teeth and correct jaw abnormalities. ### **Movable orthodontics is suitable for which people with which teeth?** This orthodontics is more suitable for people with teeth with mild to moderate problems such as slight crookedness, gap between teeth and widening of the oral space. It is also used to correct jaw problems during growth. ### **How long does removable orthodontics take?** The duration of this orthodontics is usually less than fixed and varies between 6 months and 2 years on average, depending on the severity of the problem and the cooperation of the patient. Treatment time may be shorter in children and longer in adults. ### **Are brackets used in mobile orthodontics?** Brackets are not usually used in this orthodontics; Removable plates (braces or aligners) are without brackets. Brackets are mostly used in fixed orthodontics. ### **Does removable orthodontics hurt?** This orthodontics may have some pain or discomfort in the first days, which is usually mild and tolerable, and after a few days the patient gets used to it. Severe pain is rare, and if it occurs, a doctor should be consulted. ### **Is removable orthodontics performed in old age?** This orthodontics is also performed in old age; But for more severe problems in adults, fixed orthodontics is often recommended. Movable orthodontics in adults is mostly used for simple problems. ### **During the day, how many hours should mobile orthodontics be used?** During the day, this orthodontic should usually be used for 20 to 22 hours and the plaque should be removed only when eating and brushing teeth. Regular use is very important for the effectiveness of the treatment. ### **Is it necessary to eat food with removable orthodontics?** When using this orthodontics, it is better to remove the plaque to eat so that it is not damaged and it is easier to maintain hygiene. ### **What drinks can be consumed while using removable orthodontics?** Drinks that are consumed should be without color (such as water, tea without sugar) and without sugar, so that the movable plaque is less damaged and oral hygiene is maintained. Colored or sweet drinks are better to be consumed together with plaque removal.