Orthodontics

We create custom orthodontic appliances that correct an individual’s bite. Our goal is to realign your teeth and create a new, perfect smile over time. Irregular, crowded, and protruding teeth have been issues for many people for hundreds of years. However, as dentistry has progressed, approaches to correcting crooked teeth have become far more effective.

Today, there are many different types of orthodontic appliances available for children and adults, including:

• Braces or clear aligners, which are sometimes called “invisible braces”.
• Headgear (used in combination with braces).
• Fixed or removable space maintainers.
• Permanent or removable retainers, depending on your preference and needs.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) splints and other jaw repositioning appliances for children with jaw irregularities.
• Jaw surgery also called orthognathic surgery.

Orthodontics: Types Of Appliances

We specialize in correcting malocclusion-related problems using various devices and treatments. Our treatment types include:

• Closing gaps in teeth
• Straightening teeth
• Correcting bites
• Speech and chewing improvement
• Aligning tips of teeth
• Improving gum and teeth health

Our specialists in orthodontics recommend both fixed and removable appliances to improve teeth alignment and restore a patient’s incorrect bite:

Fixed Appliances

Fixed orthodontic appliances can be attached to your teeth for short or long periods, depending on the severity of your alignment issues.

It is possible to continue eating normally when these appliances are attached to your teeth. Although, we recommend that patients not ingest foods or drinks high in sugar, such as candy and soda. Carbonated beverages, hard candy, and sticky foods are hard to remove from the appliances and can ruin them over time.

Types of fixed appliances include:

Braces

Braces, including traditional metal and clear braces, are made of individual brackets (attached to each tooth) and metal wires.

Small rubber bands (ligatures) are wrapped around each bracket to hold the appliance together. Braces realign teeth, close gaps, and fix an incorrect bite within 18 months to three years.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are often used for children who lose a tooth early or from dental decay. A space maintainer keeps the space open in the gums, allowing the permanent tooth to grow in. There are fixed and removable options available.

Removable Appliances

Unlike fixed orthodontic appliances, removable appliances do not attach to the teeth, meaning the patient can remove them at any time. Before eating, flossing, or brushing, you must remove these appliances.

Removable appliances correct minorly crooked teeth or prevent children from sucking their thumbs. A few common treatments include:

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are thin, plastic trays formed specifically for a patient’s teeth. You must wear each aligner for up to three weeks. Teeth are moved a fraction of a millimeter at a time.

Instead of wearing braces, many people turn to aligners to fix crooked teeth, especially adults.

Retainers

Retainers keep teeth in place after orthodontic treatment (braces) is complete. Since jawbones are living and changing tissues, retainers are necessary to ensure teeth stay straight. There are also permanent options available.

TMJ Splints & Jaw Repositioning Appliances

Repositioning the temporomandibular joint, which opens and closes the mouth, incorporates splints (jaw repositioning appliances). They stabilize the relationship between teeth and joints while also eliminating occlusal interferences.

Headgear

Headgear fixes a child’s overbite. This appliance moves the jaw and teeth bones back and keeps the front teeth from sticking out. The growth of the upper jaw slows down, giving the lower jaw time to catch up.

Free Consultation

If you believe that you, a family member, or someone you know could benefit from braces, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation.  We have extensive experience with all types of braces and orthodontic treatments, and can help you achieve your Perfect Smile!