Orthodontic Appliances I-Q

Impacted Canine Exposure

The canine teeth are the first teeth that meet when the jaws close. They help to guide the remaining teeth into the proper bite. After wisdom teeth, the upper canines are the second most common teeth to become impacted. Impacted canine teeth must be surgically exposed to help them erupt.

Surgical options can vary based on the patient's case, but treatment is typically a team effort for an orthodontist and an oral surgeon.

Typically, before the surgery, the orthodontist places braces on the teeth. A space is opened for the impacted canine to be moved into its proper place. The oral surgeon will then perform surgery to remove some of the gum tissue and bone covering the tooth, to expose the tooth. A bracket and gold chain is bonded to the tooth, so the orthodontist can initiate treatment for repositioning it into its proper place.

Indirect Braces Bonding

With indirect bonding, we can ensure your brackets are positioned at the perfect place with computer precision. First, we will create a model of your teeth, and then study each tooth to determine the ideal position and angle for the bracket to be placed. After all locations are decided upon, we will attach the brackets to the model, and cover them with a soft, flexible tray material, creating a cast of your teeth with the braces attached. We will then apply the bonding solution to each of the brackets. After that, it's simply a matter of fitting the tray onto to your teeth and applying a little pressure – bingo! Perfectly placed brackets every time! Indirect bonding benefits our patients immensely by minimizing discomfort and making orthodontic treatment as efficient as possible.

Interproximal Recontouring (IPR)

Interproximal recontouring refers to a procedure in which we will reshape your teeth by sculpting the sides of the teeth. This can correct cracked, chipped, crooked or misaligned teeth. Instead of braces, crowns or veneers, you can choose to have interproximal recontouring to change the shape and look of your teeth to enhance your smile!

Lingual Holding Arch

service image A Lower Lingual Arch acts as a space maintainer to keep the molars from drifting forward, and prevent them from blocking the space where permanent teeth will eventually erupt. This appliance is commonly used in cases of premature loss of baby teeth or when the lower teeth of a growing child are slightly crowded and no permanent teeth are extracted to correct the problem.

You should expect soreness the first day or two, and it may hurt to chew. We recommend a soft diet initially. You may take Advil or Tylenol to relieve the pain. Avoid sticky or hard foods, and please monitor how many foods you eat that are high in sugar.

Brushing and flossing daily is very important. Be sure to clean around the bands that are connected to the molars and the wire on the tongue side. This will prevent the formation of cavities or infection of the gums.

The duration of wear varies. We will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments. Generally, the Lower Lingual Arch is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.

Nance Appliance

service image The Nance Appliance is used to prevent upper molars from rotating or moving forward after you've worn a headgear, a Wilson's arch or any other appliance to move your molars back. Some patients wear the Nance Appliance while they are awaiting their bicuspids to grow into place.

The appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the first molars and a wire spans the roof of the mouth from one molar to the other. An acrylic pad or "button" covers the wire that touches the roof of your mouth directly behind your front teeth.

Patients should always brush around the bands daily. Do not eat sticky, chewy candy as it can loosen your appliance.

Power Chain/A Chain

A power chain is a continuous band of elastics attached to your brackets. Orthodontists use these to close a gap between the teeth. By exerting extra force, a power chain helps move the teeth faster. Because they hold your teeth closely together, a power chain can also be used to ensure that your teeth do not move apart.

Like regular elastics, power chains come in a variety of colors and are changed at each orthodontic visit. When the power chain is first placed, there may be a little discomfort until you become accustomed to the fit and feel.