Procedures

What steps does orthodontic treatment involve?

• Evaluation Phase
  • Gather medical and dental records.
  • Diagnose orthodontic problems through clinical exam.
  • Make plaster study models of your teeth.
  • Photograph your face and teeth.
  • Take x-rays of your mouth and head.

• Treatment Phase
  • Apply braces to teeth or use other appliances (anything you wear in your mouth like braces or headgear) to gradually reposition teeth, jaws and chewing muscles.
  • Adjust wires to put new pressure on your teeth (generally every two to six weeks).
  • Wear headgear, bands and other appliances as prescribed by your orthodontist.

• Follow-up Phase
  • In many cases, wear a retainer to keep teeth in new position and allow tissue to stabilize.
  • Remain under supervision of orthodontist.

Orthodontic Appliances

The following are some of the commonly used appliances in orthodontic treatment:

• Regular Braces
  Braces are a system of brackets that are bonded to your teeth and hold interconnecting wires. The wires used today, made of nickel-titanium, are generally thinner and more resilient than those used in previous years, shortening treatment time and improving overall comfort. Over time, the steady, gentle pressure applied to the teeth helps move them into the correct position.

• Expansion Appliances
  Palatal Expansion Appliance: The upper jaw may be too narrow for the upper teeth to fit properly with the lower teeth (a crossbite). When this occurs, a palatal expansion appliance can be fixed to the upper back teeth. This appliance can markedly expand the width of the upper jaw. For some patients, a wider jaw may prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth.

• Twin Block
  The appliance works by four plastic blocks, two on the top jaw and two on the bottom; in order for the patient to close their mouth they must push their bottom jaw forward. This increases the strength of the lower jaw and teaches the lower jaw to close in the new position.

• Retainers
  Retention is the process of keeping your teeth straight following successful orthodontic treatment. When orthodontic treatment has been completed there is a great tendency for the teeth to move out of position again. Teeth continue to move throughout your life and your teeth usually become more crooked as you get older. Retainers are provided to prevent movement of your teeth when your orthodontic treatment has been completed.