Teen Orthodontics Stages of Treatment
Active phase
There are a lot of treatment options these days, from conventional metallic braces to ceramic braces andclear aligner therapy. They each have their uses. Our Orthodontists have the specialized knowledge toconsider all possibilities, based on variables like your age, possible jaw imbalances, differences in thesize of your teeth, and more. They know what to use and when to use it, and will work with you to makethe best decision – for your best smile.
Metallic Braces
Traditional braces are comprised of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires that are threaded through slots in the brackets. Some patients may also have metal bands encircling back teeth. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands called “ligatures” or “o-rings.” Brackets are generally made of stainless steel. Wires are made of metal alloys and deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Traditional ceramic braces are tooth-colored, making them next-to-invisible. They are bonded to teeth, and wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. Wires are held to brackets by tiny rubber bands called “ligatures” or “o-rings.” Brackets are made of ceramic or porcelain materials. Wires are made of metal alloys and deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth.
Clear Aligners/Invisalign
Aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays that are formed to fit an individual’s teeth. Patients are responsible for putting in and removing their aligners. A series of aligners is created to move teeth. Each aligner is worn for 1-2weeks, and moves teeth a fraction of a millimeter at a time. Patients must remove aligners for meals and when brushing/flossing. The number of aligners needed to correct misaligned teeth varies based on the individual’s orthodontic problem and its correction.
Lingual Braces
For patients who need braces to resolve their orthodontic problem but want the braces to be “invisible”. lingual braces are fitted to the inside or lingual surface of the teeth.
Removable Functional Appliances
Removable appliances, sometimes referred to as “plates”, usually consist of a plastic or acrylic framework supporting a variety of wires that can be active to move teeth or passive to hold the appliance in place. The acrylic “plate” can also support auxiliaries such as expansion screws to widen the dental arch or springs to move specific teeth. Removable appliances can’t substitute for braces but can be used for simple tooth movements, sometimes as a preliminary measure prior to more comprehensive treatment when all permanent teeth have erupted. Plates can also serve as retainers which are worn at night on completion of comprehensive orthodontic treatment to maintain the treatment result.
Meet our Orthodontists
Our Orthodontic specialists at Appolonia received an additional three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth as well as years of experience in treating patients of all ages.
