Fixed Appliances

Different Types of Braces

Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.

Translucent ceramic (clear) braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them. Yet, because they are a ceramic material, proper care is essential.

Different types of wires

Stainless Steel wires are the workhorses of orthodontics today as they have been for years. We use these wires for shaping the arches and for detailing individual tooth movements. These wires combined with elastic wear are used to correct the bite. Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn as directed and changed every day.

Nickel Titanium wires are highly flexible wires used for lining teeth up and resolving crowding. These wires allow us to speed our treatments along as they work for extended periods of time with lower force levels and with less discomfort.

Heat Sensitive Nickel Titanium wires are used for initial alignment of teeth and severely rotated or malpositioned teeth. These wires are active at mouth temperature so they are working constantly. If you drink or eat something cold, these wires will become softer, and not feel as tight. Conversely, if you drink something hot, they may feel a bit tighter.

Removable Appliances

Removable appliances, unlike conventional braces, are used to retain teeth in their corrected positions, and in some cases, to influence growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure. In addition, they are often used before and in conjunction with fixed appliances.

Removable appliances are not utilized to treat all orthodontic problems. It takes skill, and experience to recognize conditions that will respond favorably to removable appliances. Timing of such therapy also is very important.

Although removable appliances can easily be taken out by the patient, there may be a tendency not to wear them as we have prescribed. This means your teeth may move back toward their original positions. Treatment stability depends on following our directions in wearing your retainers.

Removable appliances require care. Although you may notice an effect on eating and speaking along with an increase in the flow of saliva, you will eventually adjust to the appliance.

Headgear

Headgear is used less these days than in the past. However, orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that modify the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.

Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best results. If instructions on usage are not followed, treatment will take longer and our treatment plan may have to change.

• Always be careful when removing your headgear. If the headgear is removed carelessly, the part that fits in your mouth and attaches to your teeth could injure your lips, cheeks, face and possibly your eyes.
  
• Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected.
  
• Never lift the headgear over your face.
  
• Never wear the headgear when running or playing sports.

Take your headgear with you to every appointment. If it becomes soiled, the doctor and his team will tell you how it should be cleaned.

Your teeth may be tender for the first few days of wearing your headgear. This tenderness will disappear as you adjust to the new pressures.

Let the doctor know if you continue to be uncomfortable for more than a few days. Wearing headgear is necessary for your treatment. Follow the instructions exactly, and you will complete your treatment without any changes in your treatment plan.

The Herbst Appliance

The Herbst appliance is used to help correct the bite of a growing patient where the lower jaw is too far behind the upper jaw (Class II). It consists of four removable crowns seated over the six-year molars, and a piston and tube apparatus that positions the lower jaw forward into the proper alignment. (Click here for a picture.) The bite correction occurs through enhancement of lower jaw growth and a restriction of upper jaw growth.

The Herbst appliance will not grow mandibles therefore it is imperative that the appliance be placed before a child’s main growth spurt. This usually coincides with the beginnings of puberty. This will provide the greatest change within the lower jaw in the shortest amount of time. Because the appliance depends upon growth, it remains in place for approximately one (1) year. This unique appliance not only improves the bite, but it improves the profile simultaneously. Your orthodontist will let you know if this is the right appliance for correcting your bite.