 Braces
How Do Braces Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Types of Braces
Headgear
Removable Appliances
Retainers
How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth
into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment
of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces
are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire
that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic
that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your
"ideal" bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want
you to look after treatment.
The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to
return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth.
Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one
side from the archwire, the bone on the other side gives way. The
tooth moves. New bone grows in behind.
In many cases, elastics (rubber bands) are attached to your braces.
The elastics exert the proper force to create the desired bite.
In order for this force to remain constant (so that the teeth move
as desired), elastics must be worn all the time and changed every
day.
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Different Types of Braces
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They
love using different colors of ligature ties.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are the newest addition to our line of brackets. They
are stainless steel braces coated with 24 karat gold. They have
the strength of metal, but blend in with the color of the teeth
much better. That is because most teeth have a natural yellow tint.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are brackets that are made from a ceramic material
that has a metal slot for the arch wire to slide in. They are less
conspicuous than metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series
of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. It's been proven effective
in both clinical research and in practices nationwide. Because there
are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign is comfortable. And
because it's removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem.
You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding
back. With Invisalign, there's nothing to hide.
Only a doctor who has been trained and certified can treat using
Invisalign. Just ask, and Dr. Westbrook will determine if Invisalign
is right for you.
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Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment
for some patients. Headgear creates 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.
Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best
results. If instructions on usage are not followed, treatment will
take longer and our treatment plan may have to change.
Always be careful when removing your headgear. If the headgear
is removed carelessly, the part that fits in your mouth and attaches
to your teeth could injure your lips, cheeks, face and possibly
your eyes.
Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected.
Never lift the headgear over your face.
Never wear the headgear when running or playing sports.
Take your headgear with you to every appointment. If it becomes
soiled, Dr. Westbrook will tell you how it should be cleaned.
Your teeth may be tender for the first few days of wearing your
headgear. This tenderness will disappear as you adjust to the new
pressures.
Let Dr. Westbrook know if you continue to be uncomfortable for
more than a few days. Wearing headgear is necessary for your treatment.
Follow the instructions exactly, and you will complete your treatment
without any changes in your treatment plan.
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Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, unlike conventional braces, are used to retain
teeth in their corrected positions and in some cases, to influence
growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure.
In addition, they are often used before and in conjunction with
fixed appliances.
Removable appliances are not utilized to treat all orthodontic
problems. It takes skill, and experience to recognize conditions
that will respond favorably to removable appliances. Timing of such
therapy also is very important.
Although removable appliances can easily be taken out by the patient,
there may be a tendency not to wear them as we have prescribed.
This means your teeth, jaws and muscles may move back toward their
original positions.
Removable appliances require care. Although you may notice an effect
on eating and speaking along with an increase in the flow of saliva,
you will eventually adjust to the appliance.
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Retainers
Once the active period is completed, your braces are removed. The
next step is called retention. Retainers are utilized to hold your
teeth in their new positions until your bone, gums, and muscles
adapt to the new teeth positions. You must wear your retainer as
instructed, otherwise your teeth may move toward their original
positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost.
Dr. Westbrook will determine how long you need to wear your retainer.
Time varies with each patient. Some people may need retainers for
an extended period of time in order to eliminate shifting of the
teeth. In some cases, permanent retention may be necessary.
The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment
and should not be neglected!
Remember, wear them...in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers
work when you follow our instructions.
Clean your retainers! After meals, clean all parts of the retainer
with a brush.
Handle your retainers with care. Retainers are easier to lose.
If you take your retainers out, always place them in your retainer
case for safety.
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