Braces

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your "ideal" bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want your smile to look after treatment.

The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves and new bone grows in behind the tooth.

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth.  These elastics are used to move the teeth to fit together properly. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed at least three times a day.

Different Types of Braces

Braces (called fixed appliances because they are attached to the teeth) are small metal brackets. Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of elastic ligatures or o-ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.

Translucent (clear) ceramic braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them. Yet, because they are a ceramic material, they are more fragile.

"Invisible braces" are called Invisalign. Invisalign technology uses 3-D computer graphics to design and manufacture custom orthodontic appliances called aligners. They are virtually undetectable, easy-to-use and comfortable to wear.

Growth Modification Appliances

Growth modification appliances are used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction, while at the same time applying pressure to the upper jaw in a backward direction.  It can also be designed to allow expansion to the upper arch.  These appliances help correct the front-to-back relationship of the upper and lower jaws, thereby correcting the overbite.  These types of appliances are connected to the braces and stay in your mouth for 4 to 10 months.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw.  This devise spreads the two halves of the upper jaw apart.  New bone then fills in between the two halves and the upper jaw remains permanently wider.

There are several designs for these expanders; but all have a center screw that must be activated daily by turning a key.