types of appliances

Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of treatment, appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays of the jaws and all the teeth-Orthopantomograms (OPG), and photographs. In special occasions Cephalograms (x-ray of the whole head, usually in profile) are needed.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out with success at any age and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One in every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws have stopped growing. Adults may have also experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of sufficient tooth movement.

Functional Appliances

These are appliances meant to influence the development of the jaws. Restraint or stimulation of growth can be achieved if needed, but only in certain quantitative and qualitative aspect. Some of these appliances are a little bulky. Some are less bulky and more delicate, but in the other hand they

Fixed Appliances

The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that serves as the “handle” that allows us to grab onto and control the movement of each tooth, individually. A band is a ring for the molar teeth or sometimes for the premolars which fits around the entire tooth. The

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most used type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. They straighten your teeth using metal brackets, arch wires and other metal elements. There is the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic brackets are made of ceramic and are therefore less visible on teeth than metal brackets. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients to whom metal brackets would create cosmetic concerns. They do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are

Elastic ligatures

Elastic ligatures are small rings that keep the archwire in the bracket. They can be in different colors and that gives a refreshing feeling for the patient every time they are changed.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Elastics are worn as instructed. They can be combined in different colors, and can be worn from upper to the lower teeth. Patients get used with elastics very easy, in a few hours they won’t even feel they have them.

Separators or Spacers

They are called also doughnuts and may be placed between teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed, in cases where teeth are aligned very tightly. The separators will be removed just before placement of the bands. Doughnuts do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks,

Headgear

Headgear is an appliance that aids in correcting severe bite problems. One part of headgear is intraoral (in the mouth), and the other one is extraoral (outside the mouth). The headgear attaches to the braces via metal hooks or a facebow, and that’s how the force is transferred in the

Facemask and reverse-pull headgear

It is used to pull the maxilla (the upper jaw), when it is underdeveloped. It consists of metal frame and two other parts, a pad that sits on the forehead, and a cup for the chin. It is connected with the braces with the help of elastics. The Elastics here

Palatal expander

The palatal expander “expands” the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper teeth each time the screw is turned. This pressure is then transferred in the jaw and the desired effect is achieved. When the desired width is achieved the Expander will sit passively in the mouth to