Orthodontic Appliances and Retainers

Fixed Active

These are cemented in the mouth. Some examples are:

• Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
• Quad Helix

Fixed Passive

These are cemented but do not have elements that provide forces to the teeth, some examples are:

• Space maintainers
• Lingual wire in memosil key

Removable Active

Removable Orthodontic Appliances are often utilised during the course of limited tooth movement within the primary, mixed or permanent dentitions. They may be employed in either upper or lower arches and typically incorporate finger springs or elastics as active components. This would include expansion plates with screws and springs.

Benefits      

• Aesthetics
• Easily repaired           

Considerations

• Case selection
• Patient compliance
• Cost