Braces: The Right Appliances to Improve Your Smile
Discover your path to better dental alignment. Make an appointment today.
At Lake Jeanette Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental care for ages 1 through 18 and orthodontics for children, teens, and adults.
For properly aligned teeth, you need a unique approach. No two smiles are alike.
Our orthodontist, Dr. Mike, will determine the best treatment to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
The Treatment That Works Best for You
Getting the smile that you deserve is just a matter of finding the right orthodontic appliance and that’s our specialty. Here are a few of the treatment options we may suggest:
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common method. Metal braces use wires, brackets, and elastic bands. The archwires vary in thickness depending on how much movement is needed. The wires and elastic bands are changed as required. Metal braces can also help with overbite and jaw corrections.
Clear braces
Clear braces are an alternative to traditional metal braces that offer a more discreet approach. Often made from ceramic, clear braces blend more naturally to the white of your teeth. The ceramic material does not stain with food or drink.
Aside from appearance, clear braces work the same as traditional braces. They are, however, less resilient. Due to the material, they can break more easily and will require additional care.
Palatal expanders
Expanders are typically used in younger patients to widen the upper jaw. It is placed around the upper molars with a bridge across the roof of the mouth. The expander applies light pressure to the teeth to widen the jaw, adjusting the diameter increase over time. The appliance will need to remain in place for several months after jaw expansion to maintain results.
Herbst Appliance
The Herbst is effective for treating severe overbites and can even be an alternative to jaw surgery. It attaches to molars on both the bottom and top of the jaw.
By slowly applying pressure, the appliance moves the upper teeth back and the lower molars forward. It is often prescribed for children but can be used for adults too. This appliance is usually worn for up to a year and a half.
Rubber Bands
Rubber bands or elastics can help correct the positioning of your teeth. They work in tandem with braces and will connect the outside of the upper jaw with the lower. Elastics can be changed at home and vary in strength depending on the amount of pressure needed for movement.
Lingual Arch
Lingual arches are designed to maintain proper spacing acquired from orthodontic work and are often applied in the middle of treatment. A band is placed on a molar on one side of the jaw with an arching wire connecting to the molar on the opposite side.
They can also effectively maintain spacing after the early loss of a tooth. How long a lingual arch is worn varies depending on the treatment.
Schedule a consult with our team at Lake Jeanette Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry today to find the perfect braces or orthodontic appliance for your needs. Call 336-286-0200.