Orthodontic Appliances

Braces

Probably the most common type of orthodontic treatment, braces can be used by patients with varying levels of complexities and at different ages.

• They are suitable for children, teens and adults
• They consist of brackets, bands and wires which attach to the teeth
• They work by forcing teeth to move to a particular position over time
• They are made of different materials such as plastic, metal or ceramic. Metal braces are stronger and often the best for complicated issues and ceramic braces have a longer treatment period.
• Braces can only be removed by a qualified dentist
• Although rarely used, inside braces are connected to the back side of the teeth to remain incognito.
• Braces are usually worn from 1 to 3 years depending on the needs of the patient
• Braces can be used together with maxillofacial surgery for a better outcome
• To determine if braces are an ideal treatment plan for your situation, visit our dental clinic for an initial consultation.

Mouth guards

• These appliances are often made of plastic
• They are normally worn when playing contact sports
• They work as a physical guard which protects the teeth, gums or fixed orthodontic appliances from harm
• Mouth guards are also used to protect the temporomandibular joint from injuries

Removeable appliances

• They are often made of plastic and metal
• Retainers are used as a follow up treatment for patients who've had braces. It helps to prevent the patient's teeth from going back to their former position.
• Retainers can be worn at night and sometimes also during the day
• The removeable appliances can be worn for several years after braces
• Can cause soreness or pressure which usually disappears within a couple of days
• Retainers can be worn instead of braces, if the patient needs to move one tooth or close a small gap in between the teeth.
• Removeable appliance can sometimes help improve specific speech problems.
• There's a unique type of retainer known as tongue-crib retainer which has a small metal bar that comes down from the roof of the patient's mouth to prevent the tongue from slipping between the teeth when one talks.

Space maintainers

• They help to prevent the teeth from moving out of place. They keep the teeth where they're supposed to be.
• Space retainers are often made of plastic or metal
• They can be customized to suit the patient's needs
• They can help maintain natural teeth and jaw position especially when there are gaps in the mouth due to premature loss of baby teeth.
• They are often used for children but adults can have them too

Occlusal splints (bite guards, night guards or bite splints)

• They're used to modify the bite and protect the teeth
• Often made of plastic or acrylic nylon (can be soft, semi-hard or hard)
• The soft occlusal splints are harder to clean and may require more frequent replacements
• Night guards can help alleviate pain caused by jaw issues and neck aches
• Should be worn according to the instructions given by your orthodontist (most recommended at night)
• They aren't as strong as mouth guards and hence shouldn't be worn when playing athletics or contact sports

Palatal expander

• These devices are recommended for children between ages 8 and 10
• They work by expanding the upper arch when it's too narrow to ensure it fits all the permanent teeth.
• Palatal expander is not recommended for adults since their bones are no longer growing and would be difficult to achieve the best outcome
• They are reasonably affordable

Sleep disorder devices

If you suffer from a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, there are devices that can help you to sleep more soundly throughout the night. These sleep disorder devices can help alleviate issues like snoring by opening the airways. Typically, they are made of plastic or acrylic and worn over the teeth like most orthodontic appliances. These sleep disorder devices can help to keep the patient's airway open and also stabilize the jaw and tongue. They are often custom-fitted to suit the individual's needs and ensure they are comfortable to wear.

Occlusal equilibration

Some teeth have cusps that are either too low or too high. This is a dental issue that hinders proper jaw closure. The occlusal equilibration is a device that reshapes the biting surfaces of the teeth and stabilizes them.

Patients who have abnormal wear or pain in areas like the jaw or shoulders may be good candidates for occlusal equilibration. The orthodontist may also recommend this device is he/she notices that the lower and upper jaw doesn't match properly.

This device can be applied in a single appointment. However, in severe cases, it may require multiple dental visits. The goal is to stabilize the bite and eliminate symptoms like pain.