Dental Braces

TYPES OF DENTAL CORRECTORS

Ceramic dental braces

They are made of ceramic, a transparent material, which makes them less visible than metal dental braces.

They are widely used by adolescents and adults who desire a more aesthetic option.

Metal dental braces

These dental braces are the most common and today they are more comfortable than ever.

They are made of high-quality stainless steel.

TYPES OF APPLIANCES

Elastics (rubber bands)

The use of elastics (rubber bands) helps improve the occlusion between the upper and lower teeth. Use the rubber bands as directed, as they work much more efficiently if used in the prescribed manner.

Headgear is used to treat overbites (when the upper teeth overlap the lower ones) or prognathism (when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper ones). Headgear acts as a “brake” with light pressure that prevents the teeth and upper jaw from continuing to move forward.

Positioners generate the final tooth movements before finishing the orthodontic treatment. If the patient cooperates fully, they will only need to use this appliance for a period of 4 to 8 weeks.

Retainers can be fixed or removable. These appliances maintain the teeth in their new positions after alignment. The orthodontist will indicate how to care for the retainer and how long it should be used. The use of the retainer is crucial to prevent treatment relapse.

Instructions for the use and care of your retainer:

  • Wear the retainer at all times until the orthodontist gives you other instructions.
  • Remove the retainer when eating and always store it in its case. (Most orthodontic appliances are lost in school cafeterias or restaurants.)
  • Clean the retainer thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water. Brushing the retainer removes dental plaque and bad odors. Effervescent orthodontic appliance cleaners can also be used, but they do not replace a good brushing.
  • When you are not wearing the retainers, ALWAYS keep them in their case. Pets love to chew on them.
  • At first, you may experience difficulty speaking. With the retainer on, speak and read aloud or sing as practice to get used to it faster.
  • Retainers can break easily; for this reason, you must treat them with great care. If you lose or break your retainer, contact us immediately.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about your retainer, or if it requires an adjustment, please contact us. Do not attempt to adjust it yourself.
  • Always bring the retainer to your appointments.
  • Having to replace a retainer is very expensive; if you take good care of it, it can last for years.
  • Remove the retainer for swimming.
  • Keep the retainer away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, and washing machines. Likewise, avoid wrapping it in napkins.

Separators are small rubber rings placed between the teeth to separate them and thus facilitate the fitting of orthodontic bands at the next visit. The separators will be removed before placing the bands. You should try to avoid consuming foods that tend to stick to the teeth and the use of toothpicks or dental floss so as not to disturb the position of the separators.