Guiding growth before the opportunity passes.
Removable plates and functional appliances work with a child's natural growth to correct developing problems — often reducing the complexity of treatment that would otherwise be needed later.
Custom appliances for early correction.
Removable orthodontic appliances cover a broad category: from simple plates with springs to guide a single tooth, to functional appliances that influence jaw development over 12 months or more. What they share is that they can be taken out — which requires consistent patient compliance for them to work.
At Claremont Orthodontics, Dr Denize uses removable appliances when there is a clear clinical indication — not as a routine first step. When indicated, they are most effective in growing children, where skeletal and dental development can still be influenced before the growth window closes.
Families from across Perth — including Nedlands, Cottesloe, Dalkeith, Subiaco, and Swanbourne — visit our Stirling Highway practice in Claremont for early orthodontic assessment. We also see patients from Karratha who travel to Perth for specialist care.
The right appliance for the right purpose.
Removable plates
Acrylic plates with wire components fitted precisely to the teeth and palate. Springs or screws in the plate apply gentle force to move individual teeth or widen the arch. Commonly used to create space, correct mild crossbites, or manage early crowding in children aged 7–12.
Functional appliances
Devices designed to alter the position of the jaws and harness muscle forces to guide jaw growth. Used in growing children with significant overbites or jaw discrepancies. The appliance works by repositioning the lower jaw, prompting adaptive bone changes over a period of 9–18 months.
Removable retainers
After active treatment is complete, removable retainers maintain the result. These include clear overlay retainers and traditional Hawley-style retainers. They are worn nightly on a long-term basis to prevent relapse of tooth positions.
Most effective in growing children.
Removable appliances are not appropriate for all children or all problems. Dr Denize will advise honestly whether a removable appliance is indicated, likely to be effective, and worth starting now versus monitoring and treating later.
Compliance is the single biggest factor in whether a removable appliance achieves its goal. Dr Denize sets clear expectations at the start.
Duration varies by appliance type and the correction required. Often followed by a comprehensive treatment phase.
Most effective in children and adolescents where skeletal development can still be guided. Adult options exist but have different indications.
Frequently asked questions about removable appliances.
What is a removable orthodontic plate?
An orthodontic plate is a custom-made appliance that fits over the teeth and palate. It may include springs, screws, or other components to apply gentle forces that guide teeth or jaw development. Plates are typically used in early-phase treatment for children and are removed for eating, brushing, and contact sport. Dr Denize will explain exactly what a plate is designed to achieve and how to wear it correctly at your first appointment at our Claremont practice.
How many hours a day does a removable appliance need to be worn?
Most removable appliances are most effective when worn for 20 to 22 hours per day — in other words, all the time except for meals, brushing, and sport. Compliance is critical: an appliance that sits in its case does nothing. Dr Denize will set clear expectations at your consultation and discuss strategies that work for different ages and lifestyles.
Are removable appliances suitable for adults?
Some removable appliances — including clear aligner-style retainers and certain functional devices — can be used in adults. However, growth-modification appliances that reshape jaw development are most effective in growing children and adolescents. Dr Denize will be straightforward about what removable appliances can and cannot achieve in adults at our Claremont practice.
What is a functional appliance?
A functional appliance is a removable device designed to influence jaw growth by repositioning the lower jaw and encouraging changes in the surrounding muscles and bone. Functional appliances are used in growing children where there is a significant jaw size or position discrepancy. In Perth, children are often referred to Claremont Orthodontics from surrounding suburbs including Swanbourne, Mount Claremont, and Shenton Park for early-phase functional appliance treatment.
What happens after removable appliance treatment?
Removable appliances are typically one phase of a broader treatment plan. After plates or functional appliances have completed their role, many patients proceed to a comprehensive phase with fixed braces or aligners to finalise tooth positions. Retention with a retainer follows active treatment. Dr Denize will outline the full anticipated treatment pathway at your initial consultation so there are no surprises.
Find out if early treatment is right for your child.
A consultation at our Claremont practice will give you a clear picture of what is developing, what options exist, and whether now is the right time to act.