Removable appliances are generally used to widen the upper or lower arch. The appliance is made of a plastic plate with metal wires inside the plastic creating a force to move the teeth. It must be worn all the time except when playing sport and cleaning the teeth.

A removable appliance is made from a plastic plate with wires coming from the sides, which grip the teeth to keep the brace in place. It has a limited number of uses, mainly because it is restricted to moving single teeth and widening either the upper or lower arches. It is important to understand that though your parents might have had one of these in their day, it isn’t a precision appliance and cannot be used for complicated or fine-tooth movements.