Orthodontics Guide

by mheo soriano

Removable retainers
Removable retainers are worn on the roof of the mouth, these devices prevent teeth from shifting of the to their previous position. Removable retainers can also be adjusted and used to prevent thumb sucking.

Headgear
The headgear is an appliance wherein a strap is positioned around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front, or face bow. Headgear causes the growth of the upper jaw to slow down,it also holds the back teeth where they are while on the other hand, the front teeth are pulled back. This is usually used for serious cases of jaw dislocation.

by mheo soriano

Lip and cheek bumpers
These devices are designed to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. The lip and cheek muscles are known to exert pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers help alleviate that pressure.

Palatal expanders
The Palatal expander is an appliance used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that is often placed on the roof of the mouth. Outward pressure is then applied to the plate by screws force the joints in the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area.

Parents usually have the notion that the earlier their kids have braces if necessary, the better the success rate would be in correcting their overbites.

An article published in 2007 by the Cochrane Library in the UK says that kids with overbites can still be successfully corrected whether they start early or late. One limitation of the article though is that it only focused on overbites. Some dentists say that other treatments should be started early rather than late, one example being asymmetric teeth growth, which needs to be corrected while the bones are not that hardened yet.

In conclusion, experts say that it really is on a case-to-case basis.

More information: ABC News | Image source: ClipArtGuide 

by mheo soriano

Bite Plates
Bite Plates are designed to correct deep bites. For best results, it is advisable that it should be worn most of the time except when eating and brushing. It is also imperative to keep it clean at all times to prevent infection. The bite plate treatment usually last for 3 to 6 months or until desired results are met.

Aligners
Aligners serve as an alternative to traditional braces for adults. The number of orthodontist who are using serial aligners is increasing. The process is to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets. But aligners are virtually invisible and are can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.