- How teeth Move with Appliances (Appliances)
Knowing how teeth move helps you to understanding your orthodontic treatment. Periodontal ligaments surround each tooth holding them to the bones. Appliances help to move teeth to correct bite problems. Appliances apply pressure to teeth causing ligaments to stretch or compress. The bone forms and resorbs to make room for the tooth’s new position without taking proper time to move teeth, complications could occur. Regular appointments will be scheduled to slowly move your teeth.
- Maintaining Space for Permanent teeth (Appliances)
Molars often migrate into available spaces as baby teeth fall out early loss of baby teeth can cause crowding. Early treatment helps to correct an improper bite, (or Malocclusion). Lingual arch leaves space for permanent teeth lower jaw. Appliances are secured to the permanent molars. Appliances may be removed once permanent teeth come in.
- Regaining Space for Permanent teeth (Appliances)
Crowding often occurs due to a lack of space in the jaws for permanent teeth. Another cause of crowding is early or late loss of baby teeth. An appliance may be used to regain space for permanent teeth. An appliance, such as a distal jet, will help regain space. These appliance create space by moving molars back. The appliance may be removed one teeth have moved back.
- Correcting Habits (Appliances)
Habits, such as sucking your thumb, can cause abnormal swallowing patterns. A reminder appliance is designed to help you change these behaviors. This habit appliance is attached to the upper arch.
- Expanding the Upper Arch (Appliances)
Problems can occur when the upper arch is too narrow with a narrow, upper arch, back teeth may be in crossbite. In a healthy mouth, the back teeth fit together to enable you to chew food properly. If not corrected, you may try to shift your jaw to one side shifting your jaw can wear teeth down and cause misalignment shifting your jaw may also cause muscle strain. It is best to expand the upper jaw before permanent teeth come in and cause crowding. Impression will be taken so the proper expansion appliance can be made. Your dentist will choose an appliance that will work well for you. A removable expansion appliance, a proper arch appliance, or a transpalatal arch. Appliances slowely expand the arch by applying a constant, gentle pressure. As teeth shift, you will visit your dentist regularly for adjustments with the removable expansion appliance, regular adjustments are required. Your dentist will let know how often to turn the key. Your expansion appliance will expand your arch and improve your bite.
- Widening the Upper Jaw (Appliances)
Upper jaw needs to be widened with a rapid palatal expander with narrow upper arch, teeth are crowded and back teeth may be in crossbite. In a healthy mouth, the back teeth fir together properly. If not corrected, you may try to shift your jaw to one side shifting your jaw can wear teeth down and cause misalignment shifting your jaw may also cause muscle strain. It is best to expand the upper jaw before permanent teeth come in and cause crowding. Impressions will be taken of your mouth. This appliance will expand the jaw by applying a constant pressure with the palatal expander, you will need to make regular adjustments as shown. Your dentist will let you know how often to turn the key. Your expansion appliance will widen your upper jaw and improve your bite
- Correcting jaw Mal-Alignment (Appliances)
With excessive overjet, the upper front teeth protrude. A twin block is a functional appliance used to correct increased overjet, this growth modifying appliance redirects upper jaw growth and guides lower jaw growth. Your dentist may choose headgear as an effective way to correct jaw relationships. The headgear will work best when worn as often as you can follow the recommendation of your dentist to achieve the best results.
- Finishing Appliance (Appliances)
You may wear a tooth positioner to finish your orthodontic treatment. A positioner closes small spaces that may remain after braces or appliances are removed.
- Retention (Appliances)
A retainer is an appliance used to keep teeth aligned after treatment. The clear overlay retainer is made of a transparent material. The Hawley retainer is made of colored acrylic with wires that clip onto teeth. The mandibular bonded retainer is a small wire bonded onto the teeth. Your dentist will advise you about the length of time to wear your retainer.
- Cleaning Your Appliances (Appliances)
Proper oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Your removable appliance will accumulate plaque just as your teeth do. Remove your appliance and clean with a toothbrush and toothpaste several times a day.