Removable plates
A removable plate is a thin acrylic plate that sits against the roof of the mouth or behind the lower teeth. Wire clasps hold it on the back teeth, and small springs or a screw in the plate move one or a few teeth by tipping them gently. It can be taken out to clean, so it suits simple movements in children whose teeth are still coming through. It cannot make the complex movements that braces can. At Suman Dental Care it is planned and adjusted by Dr. Aashka Doshi, an orthodontist (MDS, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics).
Step by step
- Fit. The plate sits against the palate, held by wire clasps on the back teeth.
- Spring. A small spring in the plate presses gently on the tooth that is out of line.
- Move. Adjusted every few weeks, the spring tips the tooth a little at a time.
- Hold. Once the tooth is in line, the plate or a retainer holds it there.
- 1Consultation and records
The orthodontist examines the teeth and bite, and takes photographs, X-rays and impressions or a scan. If a wider X-ray is needed, you will be told where to have it taken.
- 2Make the plate
The plate is made to the model of the teeth, with clasps for the back teeth and the springs or screw needed for the planned movement.
- 3Fit and practise
The plate is fitted and checked. Your child practises putting it in and taking it out, and you are shown how to clean it.
- 4Adjust the springs
Every 4–6 weeks the orthodontist adjusts the springs or checks the screw, so the teeth keep moving a little at a time.
- 5Hold the result
Once the teeth are in line, the plate or a retainer is worn for a time to hold them while the bone settles.
- A front tooth that bites behind the lower teeth (a single-tooth crossbite)
- One or two teeth that need tipping forward, back or sideways into line
- A narrow upper arch that needs slight widening with a screw in the plate
- A child who can be relied on to wear the plate as advised
- Not suitable alone: twisted teeth, teeth that need moving bodily or up and down, or a bite problem in the jaws themselves; braces or another appliance are then advised
The plate feels large at first. Speech can sound slightly different and the mouth makes more saliva for the first few days; both usually settle within a week as the tongue gets used to it. The teeth can feel tender for 2–3 days after each adjustment.
Wear the plate for the hours the orthodontist advises, which is often all day and night except for cleaning and sport. Take it out to brush, clean it with a soft brush and cold water, and keep it in its case when it is out of the mouth. Hot water can bend it.
Call the clinic if the plate breaks, stops fitting or rubs a sore spot. Do not bend the wires yourself.
- It only works when worn. A plate left in its case does nothing, and progress stops or reverses.
- Lost or broken plates need remaking, which delays treatment.
- Decay and gum soreness can follow if the teeth and the plate are not cleaned well.
- Sore spots from the plate or a clasp are adjusted at the clinic.
- Limited movements: a plate tips teeth. If the plan needs more than that, braces or another appliance may follow.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Is a removable plate the same as braces?
No. Braces are fixed to the teeth and can move them in every direction. A plate is taken in and out and tips one or a few teeth, so it suits simpler problems. Some children have a plate first and braces later.
How many hours a day must it be worn?
Usually all day and night, taken out only for cleaning and sport. The orthodontist tells you exactly, as it depends on what the plate is doing.
Can my child eat with it?
The orthodontist will advise. Many plates are worn while eating once the child is used to them, which helps them work; others are taken out for meals. Sticky and hard foods are avoided either way.
Will it change my child's speech?
For the first few days speech may sound slightly different. Reading aloud and talking normally helps the tongue get used to it, usually within a week.
Is a retainer a removable plate?
Some retainers look like a plate, but they only hold teeth in place after treatment. A treatment plate has springs or a screw that move teeth.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.