![Type of Appliances that Might be Used During Orthodontic Treatment Rapid Palatal Expander The rapid palatal expander [RPE] is a device that widens the upper jaw so that the teeth will all fit into place easier. It is cemented in the mouth so the patient will not have to worry about it staying in place. The patient expands it on a scheduled basis with a key that fits into the center of the RPE. When the upper jaw expands the necessary amount, new bone fills in between the halves, and the upper jaw remains permanently wider.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/orthodontic-procedures-presentation-1227113854871003-9/85/Orthodontic-Procedures-Presentation-10-320.jpg)
Orthodontic Procedures Presentation
- 2. We welcome patients of all ages to our practice, and the initial consultation visit is always complimentary. Your first appointment consists of meeting with Dr. Lillian Ho and our treatment coordinator for a thorough and comprehensive orthodontic examination and consultation. They will listen to patient concerns, answer any of your questions, and indicate whether or not orthodontic treatment is needed, and what options are available. Each patient’s specific needs are carefully analyzed and a treatment plan is tailored to the individual. At this visit, all clinical and procedural aspects of your treatment will be addressed. Fees for the recommended orthodontic care, treatment length, payment options, and insurance benefits which may be available to you will be discussed. Your First Visit…What To Expect
- 3. What are diagnostic records? Diagnostic records include x-rays, photographs, and impressions made of the teeth. These “molds” are used to develop models for closer examination of the teeth and how the upper and lower teeth relate to each other. X-rays are taken to look at the root structure of the teeth and how the jaw bones and teeth relate to each other. At times additional imaging of the temporomandibular joints is helpful. Typically facial photographs and intra-oral photographs are taken to evaluate facial proportions, facial aesthetics and the health of the teeth and gums. These diagnostic records collectively enable the orthodontist to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.
- 4. What are Orthodontic Spacers? Your orthodontist may have told you that you need to have spacers before your braces go on. What does this mean? Some of your teeth may need brackets that are attached to metal bands that go all the way around the tooth. * Usually, the bands are used only on molars. If the space between your molars is very tight, it will be difficult for the orthodontist to put the bands on the teeth. Therefore, space must be opened up to fit the bands in. This is where spacers come in.
- 5. What are Braces? Braces are the most common fixed appliances consisting of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many adults.
- 6. Different Type of Braces Metal Braces Metal braces are the most common. They are made of high grade stainless steel. Today's braces are much smaller and more comfortable. Therefore they are much more attractive. Most of the patients like to dress up the braces with different color elastics that can be changed at each appointment. Multiple colors are available.
- 7. Different Type of Braces Clarity Ceramic Braces Clarity Ceramic braces are a translucent tooth colored (clear) material. They are most popular with the adult patients. They are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close to the patient. The only draw back to the bracket is that they are more fragile and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
- 8. Different Type of Braces Invisalign Now you can choose a nearly invisible way to straightens your teeth. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. So, whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted since wearing braces, you'll have a new reason to smile. You wear a set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth, gradually week by week, millimeter by millimeter until you've achieved the intended result: straighter teeth.
- 9. How long will my treatment take? The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem that requires correction, growth and tissue response to treatment as well as the level of patient cooperation during their treatment. Orthodontic care requires a team approach in which the family dentist, the orthodontist and the patient play key roles that can impact the length of treatment and the quality of the end result. Generally, the length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment can range from approximately 12 months to 30 months, depending on treatment options and individual characteristics.
- 10. Type of Appliances that Might be Used During Orthodontic Treatment Rapid Palatal Expander The rapid palatal expander [RPE] is a device that widens the upper jaw so that the teeth will all fit into place easier. It is cemented in the mouth so the patient will not have to worry about it staying in place. The patient expands it on a scheduled basis with a key that fits into the center of the RPE. When the upper jaw expands the necessary amount, new bone fills in between the halves, and the upper jaw remains permanently wider.
- 11. Type of Appliances that Might be Used During Orthodontic Treatment Trans-Palatal Arch The TPA (Trans-Palatal Arch) is a thin wire that goes across the roof of the mouth from first molar to first molar. Most people get a TPA to maintain arch width and aid in molar movement that wires alone can't achieve. In my case, the orthodontist was using the TPA to maintain the width between my first molars and use the immobilized first molars to pull my displaced bicuspid back into line
- 12. Type of Appliances that Might be Used During Orthodontic Treatment Lower Lingual Holding Arch This appliance is typically used to maintain the alignment of the lower incisors following an initial phase of orthodontic treatment. It also holds space for the lower permanent teeth to erupt.
- 13. Type of Appliances that Might be Used During Orthodontic Treatment Headgear Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment. Its purpose is to achieve the best possible correction of your orthodontic problem. Headgear creates special forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving when they are not supposed to.
- 14. How do you keep teeth from moving back? 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.