Types of Braces
Each patient has a unique bite, which requires a careful diagnosis to determine the most efficient and effective means of correction. This diagnosis involves a thorough exam that includes digital radiographs, photographs, and dental impressions.
Once these records have been evaluated, a suggested treatment plan is presented. This includes the use of orthodontic appliances to accomplish treatment objectives. The purpose of these appliances is to move the teeth into proper alignment with gentle pressure. Treatment time varies depending on age, patient compliance, and the severity of the condition.
Braces
Braces have become smaller and more esthetic over time. Often, braces are the most efficient and accurate way to move teeth into ideal position. An option for braces on upper front teeth are clear, ceramic braces which are less noticeable than conventional braces.
A recent advance in technology for braces is “self-legating” braces. These braces have less friction than traditional braces and, in some situations, may reduce treatment time. Some of the greatest technological advances involve the wires used to move teeth. Advanced materials such as nickel-titanium or “memory” wire allow the teeth to move more efficiently and with much less discomfort.
Clear Aligners
The use of clear aligners is a way to straighten teeth without braces. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Many of our patients would never have considered traditional braces, but are now happily and comfortably improving their smiles with clear aligners.
How do clear aligners work?
- Each set of Aligners is worn for about two weeks.
- You remove aligners only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- Your teeth move gradually each week.
- Appointments are generally at eight week intervals.
- Total treatment time averages between 6 and 15 months.
Herbst
One of the most common problems orthodontics treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily, when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; however, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be. The Herbst appliance encourages the lower jaw to move forward relative to the upper jaw, correcting the overbite.
Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily, and patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.
Expanders
Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.
When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center of the palatal expander, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.
Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces offer several benefits for patients. They use a self-ligation technique using lighter wires and lower friction brackets to move teeth, while resulting in faster treatment times due to its slide mechanism, strong, mechanical base bonding and solid walls structured to control tooth movement with speed and efficiency. In addition to greater comfort, self-ligating braces make it easier to maintain good hygiene because they are easier to keep clean. This contributes to greater health, happiness and physical attractiveness for the duration of patient treatment.