Orthodontic Appliances
If you or a loved one has ever gone to an orthodontist, it may have been from a referral to get fitted for braces. While braces are a traditional solution, the orthodontics field is concerned with straightening your smile.
Orthodontic appliances like braces are staples for fighting crooked and broken teeth everywhere.
But other than braces and aligners, what other nifty gadgets do we have at our fingertips? We’ll explore this in-depth throughout this page.
The adept team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, is proud to offer the local community access to quality dental care services, including only the best orthodontic appliances, so we can get started on straightening your teeth, preventing cavities, and improving your radiant smile.
Taking Care of Your Orthodontic Appliances
Like any good team or equipment, your orthodontic appliances need proper care to function effectively. Here are some tips for keeping your smile squad in top shape:
- Caring for Braces: Brush and floss carefully around your brackets and wires. Our orthodontist will provide you with specific instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces.
- Caring for Invisalign: Wash your aligners regularly with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep them in their case when not in use to avoid damage.
- Caring for Retainers: Cleanse your retainers regularly, just like you would your aligners. Bring them to your orthodontic appointments for checkups.
- Caring for Headgear: Maintain your headgear regularly according to the orthodontist’s instructions. Store it in a clean, dry place when not in use.
Advanced Orthodontic Appliances
The lineup of orthodontic appliances doesn’t end there. In certain cases, more advanced solutions may be needed.
Here are some specialized appliances that the team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, will recommend based on their use:
- Forsus Appliances: These small devices are used to control the movement of specific teeth. They consist of a spring mechanism that applies pressure in a targeted way. Forsus appliances can be helpful for correcting bite problems or coordinating movement between upper and lower jaws. We will advise you if we recommend this option.
- Bite Plates and Splints: They are removable appliances that fit over the upper or lower teeth. Bite plates and splints can be used for various purposes, such as correcting a deep bite, reducing jaw pain caused by TMJ (the joint that connects your skull and jaw) disorders, or protecting teeth during certain orthodontic procedures.
- Face Masks: These are specialized headgear appliances that use elastic straps to apply gentle pressure to the upper jaw. We might use them to help correct an overbite or to hold the jaw in a specific position during treatment.
- Transpalatal Bars: These are thin bars bonded to the back of the upper front teeth. They help stabilize the upper arch and prevent unwanted movement during orthodontic treatment. They can also distribute forces more evenly across the upper jaw, which lowers the burden on you and promotes faster healing.
- Quad Helix: This fancy-sounding appliance expands both the upper and lower jaws simultaneously. It’s typically used in children and younger patients whose jaws are still developing. It consists of a bonded wireframe that creates a cross-shaped pattern on the palate. We use this to form their oral care structure while developing good habits.
While orthodontic appliances might take some adjusting to, they shouldn’t disrupt your life completely.
Think of your treatment as an investment in your future smile. Seeing progress over time can be super motivating!
Your Quality Professional Dental Clinic
Braces, aligners, headgear, and other accessories are all used to correct the way that you smile. Although they don’t do this by themselves, our dental care team uses them to improve the speed and comfort of your progress.
Each orthodontic appliance has its own unique job to do, and together, they form a team dedicated to transforming your smile.
We are passionate about the health and safety of each one of our patients, and we look forward to making your visit more comfortable and informative.
During your next appointment with the qualified team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.
