Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is an almost invisible alternative to braces. A series of very thin, clear “mouthguard-like” aligners are used in sequence at two-weekly intervals to incrementally move teeth to the desired position. The aligners are worn full-time, day and night, except when eating and are suitable for treatment of a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Using Invisalign 3-D computer imaging technology, we can customise your treatment on-line, demonstrate specific tooth movements expected during treatment and accurately predict your treatment result.
At Dubbo Orthodontics we have extensive experience using Invisalign since its inception and maintain active involvement in ongoing advancement of the technique through the Invisalign Future Elite program and the Invisalign Asia Pacific Forum. We can extend the application of Invisalign practice to include more complicated treatments by combining Invisalign with other orthodontic techniques such as sectional (partial) braces and temporary implant anchorage (TADs).
Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of small metal brackets that are directly bonded to the teeth, in conjunction with an archwire that connects all the brackets. Brackets can be either “twin” brackets requiring coloured, silver or clear elastic modules for archwire attachment, or “self-ligating” brackets. Although brackets of either style might look the same, each bracket is individually designed for a particular tooth with specific design features, or prescription, for that tooth.
The archwires we use at Dubbo Orthodontics are made of latest technology alloys with properties that make orthodontic treatment as comfortable. The brackets we use are also latest technology and design including the option of titanium brackets for patients with metal sensitivities (usually nickel in stainless steel).
Self Ligating Braces
The technology of braces has been evolving, particularly over the past decade and arguably the state of the art self-ligating orthodontic appliance is the Damon System. This technique has the advantages of efficient, friction free orthodontic tooth movement, extended appointment intervals that reduce the frequency of orthodontic adjustments, and development of the dental arches compatible with facial anatomy to produce beautiful, broad smiles.
At Dubbo Orthodontics we offer the option of Damon braces, including the tooth-coloured Damon Clear braces. Not only is this technique a feature within our practice, we teach the technique to post-graduate orthodontic students in the doctoral orthodontic program at Sydney University.
Clear Braces
Clear or tooth coloured braces can be used for upper teeth that are usually more obvious when talking and smiling. At Dubbo Orthodontics our patients have the option of clear braces of either Twin Bracket or Self- ligating design and also the option of clear braces on lower front teeth.
Lingual Braces
For patients who need braces to resolve their orthodontic problem but want the braces to be completely “invisible”. At Dubbo Orthodontics we can offer the option of lingual braces that are fitted to the inside or lingual surface of the teeth. We use the Harmony system lingual braces that are custom made for accurate fit and placement onto every tooth and are self-ligating style braces for efficient tooth movement to ensure optimum treatment results in minimum treatment time.
Orthopedic Appliances
At Dubbo Orthodontics we treatment plan to ensure that facial aesthetics, harmony and balance are maintained or enhanced as an important treatment priority as well as straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We carefully assess the entire face and profile in our treatment planning process and projected treatment outcome. The airway and even allergies and sleep patterns are important treatment planning considerations that can require management.
These treatment goals can in most cases be achieved by orthodontic or tooth movement. In some cases however, jaw growth or co-ordination is modified with the use of orthopedic appliances that are used in conjunction with braces. The orthopedic appliances we use at Dubbo Orthodontics are custom designed and made for comfort and normal function (smiling, speaking, chewing) during treatment.
By taking into consideration the entire face and airway, not just the mouth, we can include orthopedic appliances when indicated to correct jaw and bite discrepancies rather than adapt the position of the teeth to a pre-treatment discrepancy.
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, sometimes referred to as “plates”, usually consist of a plastic or acrylic framework supporting a variety of wires that can be active to move teeth or passive to hold the appliance in place. The acrylic “plate” can also support auxiliaries such as expansion screws to widen the dental arch or springs to move specific teeth. Removable appliances can’t substitute for braces but can be used for simple tooth movements, sometimes as a preliminary measure prior to more comprehensive treatment when all permanent teeth have erupted. Plates can also serve as retainers which are worn at night on completion of comprehensive orthodontic treatment to maintain the treatment result.
Space Maintainers
Space Maintainers are used to preserve or maintain space in the dental arch for later eruption of permanent teeth. The most common indication for a space maintainer is following premature loss of a deciduous (baby) tooth usually due to decay or partial impaction of a permanent molar. Space maintainers are passive appliances, fixed to one or two stable teeth and generally removed when the intended permanent tooth or teeth erupt into the arch.
