Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontists use different types of appliances to treat different problems during the orthodontic treatment. Depending on the problem, family orthodontists will recommend the appliance that will best work for children and adults.
There are two types of orthodontic appliances: fixed appliances and removable appliances.Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: these are appliances that can only be removed by the orthodontists at the end of the treatment.
- Dental Braces: most common type of orthodontic appliance. They are made of metal,
ceramic or plastic which slowly straighten or reposition teeth over time. Each bracket is pasted onto each tooth with bonding cement. Then a metallic arch wire is passed through the brackets' gaps, and is fastened with small elastics. Finally metallic bands are put around the upper and lower molar teeth to support the arch wire.
- Palatal Expander: used on people with overcrowded teeth. It is a piece of metal that contains a screw which is tightened very often. The palatal expander slowly widens the palate creating more space for the teeth.
- Herbst Appliance: used mostly for younger patients. It reduces the overbite by holding the lower side of the jaw forward and the upper molars backward.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances: are appliances that can be easily removed by the patient
- Retainers: Although retainers can be also fixed they are most known as a removable appliance. Retainers are made of molded plastic and wire. They are used to hold the teeth in their right position once the orthodontic treatment is done. They are very important since they help to prevent regression of the treatment. Orthodontic specialists will instruct the patient on how long he or she should use the retainers as well as how they should care for them.
- Headgear: Is an appliance attached to the dental braces, connected to a strap worn around the head and it is used for correcting severe bite problems. It is usually used in growing patients to move the teeth and encourage bone growth in either the upper or the lower jaw. It should be worn daily for approximately 10 to 12 hours.
- Positioners: are a custom made, resilient mouthpiece with impressions of the upper and lower teeth. They are used for a couple of months to complete the final movements of the teeth once the braces are removed.
- There are also orthodontic appliances for preventive purposes such as a mouth guard. It is a removable piece made of plastic that protects the teeth and jaw during physical activity. A mouth guard can also be used overnight by people who grind their teeth while sleeping.Orthodontic specialists are the ones that decide what orthodontic appliance will be more effective. Depending on the specific treatment needs of each patient, orthodontists will recommend either fixed or removable appliances. However it is important to remember that in order for the removable appliances to be effective, they have to be worn for several hours a day. Furthermore, patients have to follow the orthodontists instructions closely with regard to the proper use, care and cleaning of fixed and removable appliances.
