Removable

There are many examples of removable orthodontic appliances of varying shapes and appearances. A post-braces retainer is one such removable orthodontic appliance that maintains teeth in their correct position after active orthodontic treatment (metal braces or clear braces). Fashioned out of plastic and stainless steel wire, orthodontic retainers hold the teeth in their new position while the surrounding gum and bone settle around the teeth.

Springs or elastics can supplement the use of both fixed orthodontic appliances and removable orthodontic appliances. Rubber bands (orthodontic "elastics") are frequently used in orthodontics treatment to shift teeth and correct malocclusion (bad bite).

Expanders are another form of removable orthodontic appliance that helps to shape the jaw arch. Some removable orthopedic functional appliances such as Bionators and Frankel appliances correct growth disparity between the upper and lower jaws. In conjunction with braces, headgear can be used in the context of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. A cervical pull or high pull corrects overgrowth of the upper jaw while reverse pull headgear corrects overgrowth of the lower jaw.