| |
Orthodontics encompasses many types of treatment options, depending upon age and
stage of development. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Treatment of Young Children
Treatment of young children is sometimes done in two phases. In this situation, a treatment of short duration (usually not exceeding one year) is suggested to improve orthodontic conditions that can complicate subsequent development. This might include braces that are limited to certain permanent teeth, removable or fixed "appliances" designed to encourage more favorable jaw growth.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are also frequently used in young children to widen the upper jaw and teeth. These devices have a "screw" that can be adjusted by the parents at home. This treatment, often done as early as age seven, can provide more space for teeth that have yet to erupt. For Adults.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are used if one or more primary teeth have been prematurely lost, due to extraction or abnormal development. Space maintainers could prevent future extractions of permanent teeth, which could assure preservation of pleasing profiles.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Herbst & Activator Appliances and Protraction Headgear
A fixed Herbst appliance or a removable “activator” might be suggested to encourage or "pace" favorable growth of the jaws when the lower jaw sits behind the upper jaw. This is most effective during the pubertal growth months or years. The timing of the start of treatment is critical. More info & photo's…
A protraction (“reverse pull”) headgear might be suggested at a young age (as early as 6 or 7) if the upper jaw is somewhat deficient and the upper front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth. The timing of the start of treatment is critical. More info & photo's…
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Braces
Braces ("fixed orthodontic appliances") are attachments that are bonded onto the teeth and, in some cases include "bands" that are cemented around the back teeth. Brackets are bonded onto the visible front teeth and sometimes onto the back molars or are welded onto molar bands. They are fabricated in pieces, assembled, and made to our prescription.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Arch Wires
The arch wires, which are precisely formed by Dr. Wintner, pass through the "slots" of, and attach to the "brackets" which cause tooth movement. These wires are made of sophisticated metal alloys, each of which have different properties effecting different actions. Titanium wires are the newest and most innovative, providing for efficient tooth movement with minimal discomfort.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Brackets with Color
The brackets commonly appear silver in color or can be "clear" (ceramic) to help blend to the color of the teeth. (The ceramic braces increase fees slightly, which can be included in our many payment plans.)
What's more, the elastic ties that attach the wires to the brackets are available in bright neon colors or can be clear to blend with the brackets. The colored ties can be applied to the silver or ceramic brackets and can be changed at each office visit!
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Retainers
Retainers are placed after the braces are removed to hold the teeth in their corrected positions. This step is necessary because teeth tend to slightly move back to their old positions. An upper and lower retainer are recommended if treatment is done to both the upper and lower teeth. The retainers can be removable or cemented in place. Retainer wear is critical to the success of the treatment. Recommended duration of retainer wear ranges from at least one year on the "upper," to two years or more on the "lower."
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
