Orthodontic Appliances
So what's an orthodontic appliance
An appliance is classified as anything that we use to move your teeth or to change the shape of your jaw. Here we have listed our most common appliances. In most cases, you will be required to attend check-ups every 4-6 weeks to have these checked and adjusted.
Removable appliances
Simple treatment may be carried out with the aid of a removable appliance (a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure.
Functional appliances
It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow using orthodontic appliances. These functional appliances use the power and movement of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problems.
Fixed appliances
If teeth need to be guided more accurately, then a fixed appliance is used. These have brackets and bands temporarily bonded to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. It is not possible for you to take the appliance out and so it is called a fixed appliance.
Invisalign®
These are tough, clear plastic aligners (moulds) used to straighten teeth. Several sets of these specially moulded, slightly different aligners are made for each patient. Each set is worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next set. They are made from clear plastic, so they are virtually invisible and this means that no one will know you are straightening your teeth.
Braces
Today, braces are much smaller than their bulkier predecessors. The brackets and wires that are used in braces today are much finer than they used to be, and they're made of a strong space-age material that straightens your teeth faster and easier. The brackets can be made from ceramic, therefore they are tooth coloured, and the rubber bands that go along with braces come in a variety of colours now too. Braces are still the most effective means of moving the teeth.
Lingual invisible braces
These braces are fitted behind the teeth on the (lingual) tongue side so they appear to be totally invisible, they can be used to straighten teeth and correct the bite including the more complex cases that Invisalign® cannot treat. It does take a little bit of time for the tongue to adjust to this addition but usually after a week or two you will have adapted. These are especially popular with adults, due to their 'hidden' advantages.
