Braces

Our office uses some of the finest braces (or bands) available. Excellent materials increase efficiency and thereby allow for on-time treatment estimates. Typically the word “braces” refers to the metallic brackets bonded to the teeth and the metallic bands that encircle the Anchor teeth. The brackets are positioned on the teeth so that when a tiny, flexible wire is tied into the slot of the bracket, the elasticity of the wire gently moves the teeth into the desired position. Wires are changed from time to time until the largest wire is finally achieved.

Treatment Success

Successful orthodontic treatment requires lots of planning. We need to share a clear vision of our anticipated results. Proper position of braces is very important. A logical progression of arch wires and rubber band wear is equally important. Outstanding patient cooperation is a must. And most times, with proper planning, attention to detail, and excellent patient cooperation we can achieve a beautiful healthy smile.

Appliance Selection

Tooth Movement

While the bands and bonds serve as attachments on your teeth the wires, power chains, and rubber bands actually move the teeth.

Power Chain

Power chains are placed on adjacent teeth and are used to close space. Power chains are removed and replaced at each appointment so we can continue to provide light, continuous pressure to efficiently move teeth.

Spacers

We are often asked about spacers. These round rubber doughnuts are placed between back molars and actually move the molars apart enough to place bands on the molars. They are generally used for one to two weeks.

Wires

Orthodontic arch wires are carefully attached to each brace with wire ties or elastic ties. Our arch wires are very flexible yet have a unique ability to reform to their original arch shape when deflected. When you begin your orthodontic treatment your initial ideal arch wire will be gently deflected into each brace and attached with a wire tie or elastic tie. The deflected wire applies a gentle, continuous pressure on your teeth moving them into a more ideal alignment

Rubber Bands

Rubber bands can be attached to the hooks on braces to provide movement in a desired direction. Rubber bands are primarily used between the upper and lower teeth in an effort to improve the inter-arch relationship, or the bite. In general rubber bands are to be worn full time in an effort to achieve a desired result.

How do teeth move through solid bone?

It doesn’t seem possible, but when a gentle constant pressure is applied to a tooth… the tooth moves through solid bone. Teeth are not attached directly to the actual bone but are suspended in a bone socket by ligament fibers. When pressure is applied to a tooth by wires, rubber bands, or power chains the ligament fibers are compressed on one side and stretched on the other. On the compression side, the bone actually dissolves. On the opposite side, where ligament is stretched, new bone is formed. So a tooth can move in its socket toward the compression side as new bone forms on the opposite side.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Each patient’s treatment time can vary due to the severity of the bite problem, the response to braces, favorable or unfavorable facial growth, and patient cooperation with oral hygiene and rubber bands. One thing is for sure, excellent cooperation always seems to decrease treatment time!

How do you keep teeth from moving back into their old Positions?

Retainers are used following orthodontic treatment in an effort to maintain your orthodontic result. Since our jaws and teeth are constantly changing throughout our lifetime the proper use of retainers is critical if you want to maintain your beautiful smile. Most times, retainers need to be worn when you sleep so any inconveniences are kept to a minimum.