The success of any orthodontic treatment depends on the orthodontist’s skill and patient compliance. Patients must wear their appliances as instructed to ensure the teeth and jaws move into proper alignment. “Appliance” is the word used to describe braces and other devices used to move the teeth into their desired positions.

Anything new that is attached or placed in your mouth can take getting used to, but the benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. Orthodontic appliances apply a gentle force which can cause some initial discomfort but remember, this means the teeth are moving into place. Plus, the benefits of the appliances far outweigh any tenderness.

Dr. David Markham is a board-certified orthodontist, skilled at creating beautiful smiles and happy patients, in the Sacramento, CA area. The Markham Orthodontics team provides superior orthodontic treatment and top-notch customer service to patients of all ages.

Braces Are The Basics of Orthodontic Appliances

At Markham Orthodontics, we are delighted to offer our patients a variety of braces types to choose from. After a careful evaluation with our dentists and based on your orthodontics needs and budget, we will be able to offer you any of the following ones.

There are two types of braces in this category: Traditional metal and ceramic braces. Both of them remain attached to your teeth, and they must be applied, adjusted, and removed only by your orthodontist.

Metal Braces (Traditional braces)

This is the most common type of braces and the one that most people think about when they hear the word “braces.” It is also the least expensive option, so it is a considerable choice if you want to save some money. They are made with metal brackets but are actually much smaller than the ones used in the past. The look we have today is much more appealing, smaller, and more comfortable than in the old days.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces, plus they addition of great benefits, but they are made with the advantage of being tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into your teeth. They are comfortable, and they are the better-looking counterpart part of metal braces.

The ceramic material does need maintenance, as it can stain easily, but if you follow good oral hygiene and some dietary restrictions, you will be good to go.

Invisalign Clear Aligner

Here, we have a variety of fun, effective and practical options.

Clear aligners are the talk of the town and for many good reasons. They are first of all good for teens and adults, and the easy custom-made clear aligners will straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. They are also removable, giving you the greatest amount of flexibility and freedom.

As you can remove your aligners, your dietary restrictions are not going to be as drastic as with fixed orthodontic treatments. They are not recommended to forgetful young patients, as they area treatment that requires wearing them constantly and young teens who might forget to put them back.

Retainers

After you complete your orthodontic journey and you are delighted with your brand new straight smile, you will still have a step to complete, and it involves the use of retainers.

Retainers are devices used to keep the new position of the teeth as teeth gradually move over time.

Clear Retainers

Very similar to clear aligner trays, they ensure the teeth keep their new position by using a vacuum-formed hard plastic to prevent moving.

Traditional Retainers

Made of acrylic or plastic, they also have metal wires that make them easy to adjust.

Fixed Retainers

These retainers will be bonded to the teeth; as they cannot be removed, they don’t require adjustments. These are ideal for forgetful or distracted people afraid of keep losing their retainers.

Other Types of Orthodontic Appliances

The type of appliance prescribed to you will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and treatment goals. Several types of appliances are used for the duration of your treatment and are either fixed or removable.

Appliances used in orthodontics may include:

TADs

Temporary anchorage devices are tiny screws used to provide a temporary yet fixed point from which to apply the force needed to move the teeth. It allows for predictable tooth control.

Rubber Bands

The orthodontist may refer to these as elastics. Rubber bands attach to the brackets to apply enough gentle force to move the teeth and jaws. A wide range of colors is available, allowing patients to pick their favorite color, school color, or celebrate the holidays with different colors.

Chain Elastics

These are used to close spaces between the teeth.

Headgear

If a patient is prescribed headgear, it will attach to the braces from the back of the head. It is easy to remove, most often worn at bedtime, and used to apply extra force to move the teeth and jaws.

Herbst Appliance

This fixed appliance reduces overbite in patients by slowly moving the jaw forward and the upper molars backward. It is most often used by younger patients who are still growing.

Palatal Expander

The appliance “expands” or widens the upper jaw by putting pressure on the upper molars every time the orthodontist makes an adjustment. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance will remain in place for a few months.

Positioners

This appliance is used to complete the last few tooth movements needed to complete the orthodontic treatment.

Separators or Spacers

These are tiny rubber doughnuts that are inserted between your teeth to gently and slowly push them apart.

Mouth Guard

A mouth guard protects your teeth from injury during sports or other vigorous athletic activities.

Night Guard

A night guard is needed to prevent and stop patients from grinding or clenching their teeth.

Bite Plate

This is a small appliance made from acrylic material with metal clasps. These clip onto the inside of the top teeth. It is used before orthodontic treatment begins to correct a deep bite and prevents the back teeth from touching.

Habit Breaker Thumb Appliance

It is used to deter thumb-sucking habits and poor tongue posture.

Contact Us

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, check out our patient video gallery to see what other patients have to say about their Markham Orthodontic experience. Then call our office at 916-924-8970 for a complimentary evaluation or reach out to us online.