Phase I Treatment
The goal of first-phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to align the upper and lower jaws with one another. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper or lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 7 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment. It is recommended to have all children seen around age 7 to make sure nothing is wrong. Not doing so can leave a child's smile and profile compromised.
Phase II Treatment
The second phase is a separate treatment with separate goals in mind. Phase II is initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and the treatment usually last between 10-24 months. After this period, patients typically wear retainers, which are clear plastic appliances, to hold the final result in place. The purpose of Phase II treatment is to set each tooth into its exact position in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. They will stay healthy and attractive.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. Metal braces straighten your teeth using stainless steel metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you also have the option of adding colored rubber bands for a more unique and colorful smile.
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Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are clear so they are less visible on your teeth. They are mainly used for cosmetic reasons. Ceramic braces do require more attention to oral hygiene as they are larger and are more brittle than the metal braces. For these reasons, ceramic braces are usually used on older teenagers and adults. Appliances
Separators (or Spacers)
These are little rubber bands or small metal clamps that may be placed in between the molar teeth to push them apart or to upright a molar tooth so that orthodontic bands may be fit at your following appointment. Maxillary Expansion Appliance
The expander widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the upper molars. Dr. Abdoney will instruct you about how and when to adjust your expander. After the desired expansion is reached, you will continue to wear the expander to stabilize the new expansion. Lingual Holding Arch
A Lingual Holding Arch is placed in the mouth usually after a palatal expander. This is to continue stabilizing and maintaining the new expansion. Bluegrass Appliance
The Bluegrass appliance is used to break thumb/finger sucking habits. This appliance is very successful and will usually break the habit very quickly. The bluegrass will remain on for a short period of time after the habit is broken to prevent relapse. Reverse Headgear
Reverse Headgear is usually worn in conjunction with another type of appliance (Palatal Expander, Lingual Holding Arch). This is used to treat patients with an underbite. Herbst Appliance
The Herbst appliance reduces overbite by allowing the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars backwards. This appliance is extremely effective and is usually worn for 8-12 months. Forces Appliance
A Forces Appliance is used to correct an overbite. This appliance is for a patient who has difficulty wearing/maintaining elastics. Elastics
Elastics, or rubber bands, are used to help move teeth from one place to another and/or adjust bite. If the rubber bands are not worn as directed, the teeth will not move and treatment will be prolonged. These little things play a very important role in getting you out of braces. Below is a list of things you should be familiar with:
- Elastics should be worn twenty-four hours a day unless you have been told otherwise.
- Remove them only when you brush your teeth and immediately replace them afterwards.
- Elastics must be worn while eating.
- Carry extra elastics with you at all times. If/when one breaks, replace it immediately.
- Should you lose them or run low, please call the office.
- Sometimes the teeth will get sore when the elastics are started. Usually, this soreness lasts only a few days. Wearing elastics sporadically may cause tooth soreness and will make it difficult to move the teeth.
- Elastics will lose their strength after a period of time so you should change them at least three times a day.
REMEMBER: THE EFFORT YOU MAKE EQUALS THE RESULT YOU WILL ACHIEVE