Upper Removable Appliance (URA)

An upper removable appliance (URA) is an active acrylic appliance used for simple tooth movements, expansion and bite opening. We make URAs to your prescription, from your digital scan or impression.

What is an Upper Removable Appliance?

A URA is made up of a baseplate, retentive clasps (usually Adams clasps), active components and, where needed, an anterior bite plane or posterior capping. It tips teeth rather than moving them bodily. This makes it suited to simple movements, such as correcting an anterior crossbite, expanding the upper arch, or holding space. It is also used alongside fixed or functional appliances.

When Is a URA Prescribed?

Upper removable appliance (URA) with pink acrylic baseplate, midline expansion screw and Adams clasps on an upper model, lab-made for orthodontists

What We Make to Your Prescription

Please send a scan or impression of the upper arch, and the lower if the occlusion is needed. A prescription can specify:

Dental technician holding a plaster model of teeth
Smiling child in a dental chair
  • Springs: Z-springs, T-springs, palatal finger springs or buccal canine retractors
  • Screws: a midline expansion screw or a sectional screw
  • Clasps: Adams clasps, ball clasps or Southend clasps on the teeth you choose
  • Labial bow, if required
  • An anterior bite plane or posterior bite blocks (capping)
  • Acrylic colour: a wide variety of colours and designs is available

If any part of the design is unclear, we will contact you before manufacture. Turnaround is about one week from receipt of your scan or impression.

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