Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic advancement is a dental treatment that is based on using dental appliances for the treatment of malocclusions, which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. There are several different types of orthodontic appliances: active, passive and functional. All these types can be fixed such as braces or removable like retainers.

Braces

Braces are devices used in orthodontics that help to position teeth with regard to a person's bite, while also working to improve dental health. Braces can be either functional or aesthetics. Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws. They work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. They are formed from brackets and wires. The brackets are the small squares that are bonded directly to each tooth's surface. There are Metal Brackets and Ceramic brackets. The only difference between them is that Ceramic brackets are more aesthetic than Metal. In some people they're placed behind the teeth, making them less noticeable which we called lingual braces.

Other appliances used in orthodontics include:

TADs: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are miniature titanium alloy screws that we fixed to bone in the mouth in order to move specific teeth in the most controlled way. They are ranging from 6 to 12 millimeters in length and 1.2 to 2 millimeters in diameter.

Rubber bands: Rubber bands are also called colorful elastics. They are used to apply pressure to the jaw to correct the alignment of your bite and reduce overbite/under bite.

Headgear: Achieving a perfect smile sometimes requires braces plus headgear. It is typically used in growing patients to correct overbites by holding back the growth of the upper jaw, allowing the lower jaw to catch up. If needed, Headgear is worn , only at night while sleeping or at home, approximately 10-14 hrs to be effective in correcting the overbite, usually anywhere from 6 -18 months depending on the severity of the overbite and how much a patient is growing. The appliance is attached to the braces from the back of the head and can be removed. It is also used sometimes in adults.

Retainers: Retainers are used to keep teeth in place once braces are removed. They are small devices shaped like a mouth guard. It takes time for your teeth to settle into their new position. By wearing a retainer, you can prevent your teeth from shifting. Some retainers may be removable. Others are fixed behind your teeth. They are usually made of clear plastic and metal wires. Most patients are required to wear their retainer(s) every night at first, with many also being directed to wear them during the day – at least initially.