Orthodontics Articles
Types of Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. ade of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires.
Snoring Daphne and Children
Snoring occurs when the structures in the throat are large and when the muscles relax enough to cause the airway to narrow and partially obstruct the flow of air.
Retention
The retention phase of treatment comes after tooth movements have been completed by your braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
The more common complications of orthodontic treatment
All procedures carry some element of risk and orthodontics is no exception. It is important that patients are made aware of and understand the possible risks their course of treatment may involve in order to make informed decisions.
Flossing
Floss between all teeth at least once a day, Insert floss behind (or underneath) archwire, Gently clean sides of teeth and gum with an up and down motion.
Brushing & Flossing
Use a soft toothbrush, Brush above and below the braces using a small circular motion with a toothbrush angled at 45 degree. Start to brush from upper right and to the left.
What to Expect when Having Braces
If they are still attached to archwire, leave them in place. If uncomfortable or bracket and band out completely, cover with wax and call for an appointment. Do not attach headgear or elastics to loose band or bracket.
Types of Malocclusion (Bad Bite)
Class 1: Upper and lower jaws line up correctly but your teeth are crooked, crowded, turned, or spaced apart.
Wisdom teeth
Often orthodontic treatment is needed because there is not enough room in the mouth to fit all the teeth in an orderly and visually pleasing way.
Extraction's
Some people need to have teeth removed so enough room is made in your mouth to lineup your teeth.
Retainer Instructions
Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case!
Holding Arches or Space Maintainers
Holding arches, or "space maintainers", are small fixed appliances that are anchored on the molars with a bar that extends from one side of the arch to the other along the inside.
Distal Jet Appliance
A distal jet is an appliance that slowly and gently moves the upper 6 year molars further back in the mouth. This will create space for eruption and possibly reduce the amount of crowding for the permanent teeth.
Separators
These are tiny elastic bands that are placed between the teeth. When they are placed between the teeth they are stretched and as they return to their normal shape they tend to push the teeth apart slightly.
Retainers
Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Take your retainers out when eating, and always put retainers in their case!
Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
The palatal expander "expands" (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment or turn is made.
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block appliance reduces the overbite by encouraging forward growth of the lower jaw. It uses 2 removable block-type appliances that fit together like a puzzle.
Reverse Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "under-bite," (with the lowers forward of the uppers).