What are the parts of a removable functional appliance?
The removable appliance consists of an active element or elements (i.e. metal wires and/or screws), which exert orthodontic forces on the teeth, and retentive elements (i.e. clasps), which help, in retaining the appliance in the mouth. A plastic plate holds these two sets of elements together. It is more commonly used in the correction of teeth in the upper jaw. How are the appliances made? Unlike braces the removable appliances are made in the dental lab. A plaster model is created from an impression of the patient’s jaw, over which the appliance is designed and made. The finished appliance is then fitted on the patient.
