Have you experienced BRAIN OVERLOAD? After all the excitement of getting braces is over, it is common to forget exactly what is going on in your mouth. Here is a list of many procedures, products and terms we use to straighten your teeth. Please remember that we are here to answer any of your questions or concerns. Dr. Little prefers using the Damon Bracket System. To learn more information please visit www.damonbraces.com.
Positions of Teeth
Malocclusion
Malocclusion occurs when the teeth or jaws are not properly aligned. Malocclusion can affect the way you clean your teeth, the way you chew or the way you smile. Below are some of the malocclusions that can be successfully treated with orthodontics.
Tooth movement
Tooth movement is a normal physiological process that allows your orthodontic correction to occur. When gentle constant pressure is applied to a tooth…the tooth moves through solid bone. Teeth are not attached directly to the actual bone, but are suspended in a bone socket by ligament fibers. When pressure is applied to a tooth by wires, rubber bands or power chains, the ligament fibers are compressed on one side and stretched on the other.
On the compression side the bone actually dissolves. On the opposite site, where ligament is stretched, new bone is formed. So a tooth can move in its socket toward the compression side as new bone forms on the opposite side. How amazing is that!
Brackets
Brackets are small box shaped braces that are bonded to the front surface of your tooth.
Bands
Bands are small stainless steel rings that are cemented around your farthest back molars.
Bonding
Bonding is the procedure used to cement your braces. In only 15 seconds, special "tooth cement" allows Dr. Little to place and cement brackets in the correct position.
Arch Wires
Arch wires are flexible wires shaped in an arch form, which we carefully attach to each individual bracket or band with a "Quick Stick" or ligature tie. The arch wire is flexible yet able to reform to its original shape when deflected. The deflected arch wire applies gentle constant pressure moving the teeth into a more ideal alignment.
Quick Stick or Ligature Tie
Quick sticks or ligature ties are used to hold the arch wire in place. We have a variety of colors to choose from. >> Color In Your Grin
Power Chain
Power chain or A-Tie is an elastic chain placed on brackets to hold the arch wire in place and also used to close space. All of the colors available in quick sticks are also available in power chains. >> Color In Your Grin
Elastics or Rubber Bands
Elastics or rubber bands can be attached to the hooks on braces to provide movement in a desired direction. Rubber bands are usually used in the correction of your bite. In general, they are to be worn full time in an effort to achieve a desired result. Dr. Little will specify where, when, and how long you are to wear your rubber bands.
Diagnostic Records
Panoramic x-ray captures an image of your teeth and jaw region and helps in identifying eruption patterns, missing or extra teeth, blocked out teeth and root formation. As we proceed with orthodontic treatment, this x-ray can help monitor proper root positions.
Cephalomatic x-ray
Cephalomatic x-ray captures an image of your entire skull and profile. It identifies potential growth problems and records diagnostic measurements. In addition, this x-ray measures irregularities in your facial profile.
Digital Imaging
Digital photos are taken of your smile, profile, face and teeth. These pictures help track your progress, and see how your new smile is developing.
Impressions
Impressions are molds of your teeth. To get the impressions, trays that fit your mouth one at a time are filled with the impression material. At this point, the material resembles pink frosting and is placed in your mouth for approximately 20 seconds. When removed from your mouth, the material resembles your teeth! We have nine flavors to choose from:
Bazooka Bubblegum
Butterscotch Blast
Cherry Jubilee
Groovy Grape
Razzle Dazzle Raspberry
Rooten Tooten Rootbeer
Strawberry Shortcake
Vivacious Vanilla
Wacky Watermelon
Models
Models are detailed plaster reproductions of teeth.
Palatal Expander
Palatal expander is placed in the roof of the mouth and secured by cementing bands to the molars and bicuspids. The upper jaw is joined in the center by a suture or joint, which allows it to be painlessly separated and spread. The appliance is manually turned daily which creates a constant, gentle pressure opening the joint. Once this has occurred, the two halves knit back together and new bone is laid down to make the jaw wider. Temporarily you may see a space develop between your upper two front teeth. Don't worry it is TEMPORARY!!!
Herbst Appliance
Herbst appliance helps treat protrusion of the upper teeth and jaw by assisting the lower jaw to catch up in growth. Stainless steel crowns are cemented to the upper and lower molars. Tubes are attached to the upper appliance and rods are attached to the lower appliance. The rods slide into the tubes and position the lower jaw forward. This encourages the growth of the lower jaw, while slowing the forward growth of the upper jaw. It is common to expand the upper jaw while the lower jaw advances by simultaneously combining the Herbst with the palatal expander.
Retainers
Retainers hold your teeth in the correct position after the braces come off. They are very important in the orthodontic treatment process. If you do not wear your retainer, your teeth have the opportunity to move back into their old position. Dr. Little will advise you on how long, how often and how much you need to wear your retainer. If your retainer pokes, does not stay in place, or will not go into place, please make an appointment as soon as possible. We have a wide variety of retainers to choose from. >> Color In Your Grin
Spacers
Spacers make space between your teeth to allow the band to go into place. They often cause discomfort the first few days at which time Tylenol or other pain relievers should do the trick. Rinsing with warm salt water and regular chewing also help alleviate discomfort. If you lose a spacer, please call to see if you need to replace it.
|
