Orthodontics Guide

by mheo soriano

Braces

Braces are one of the most common fixed appliances, it is consisted of bands, wires and/or brackets. The bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while the brackets are most often connected to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands and tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, moving them to their proper position slowly but surely.

Fixed space maintainers

Fixed space maintainers are used usually on kids who lose their baby tooth prematurely, a space maintainer is used to maintain the space until the permanent tooth erupts. The band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space.

Going to your orthodontist, you may think you are getting a totally different procedure but you might want to consider that they are still dentists in their own rights, just specialized in orthodontics. Your family dentist is always the first line of defense who can say whether further treatment may be needed. They may recommend an orthodontist or be one themselves and continue the treatment by themselves.
Many have differing opinions whether one and the same are okay but any which way, their aim is to get the best smile back onto your face.
More extensive adjustments may need seasoned veterans who have better chances of attaining the best results so ask around for second opinions for you are entitled to do so. No one treatment is best for everything and orthodontic treatments are usually a combination of two or more procedures to attain that bright and healthy smile.

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.

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.