The orthodontics team at Parkcrest Dental Group is dedicated to making sure that you have the smile you want. Not only is jaw and teeth alignment important for aesthetics, but also for proper function. To do this, Dr. Steven Harrison uses sophisticated orthodontic appliances to properly align your teeth and jaw. While many of these orthodontic appliances may look similar to someone unfamiliar with dentistry, they often have very different functions.
Orthodontic appliances are, put simply, devices to change the position of your teeth or jaw, or to hold your teeth in their finished positions after your braces are removed. Today, Parkcrest Dental Group’s blog will discuss the different devices and how they work to get your teeth into position to create your perfect smile.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Braces
The most iconic orthodontic appliance, braces, are used to straighten your teeth. Braces consist of brackets, bands, and wires. Brackets are attached to the teeth with a metal wire, or archwire, which is attached to the brackets to facilitate movement.
Related Post: Orthodontics: Signs You May Need Braces
Bite Plate
A bite plate is a removable appliance similar to a retainer attached to the top of the teeth to prevent or correct a deep bite or a crossbite. While a bite plate will be uncomfortable at first, it is a key orthodontic appliance if it is worn as directed by Dr. Steven Harrison.
Holding Arches
Holding arches, or “space maintainers”, are small fixed appliances that are anchored to the molars and are connected with a bar from one side of the arch to the other. They are often put in when a tooth is extracted at a young age or after a permanent tooth has fallen out. This device helps to maintain the space and prevents the surrounding teeth from moving into the empty space.
Retainers
Retainers come in both removable or fixed options. They hold your teeth in their new position after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Steven Harrison will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and how long you should continue to use it. Retainers are key components in making certain that your teeth remain in the correct position.
Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Tips For Taking Care Of Retainers
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander, or a rapid palatal expander (RPE), is used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower rows of teeth will fit together better. Dr. Steven Harrison and the orthodontics staff will instruct you on how to turn on your expander, and how often.
Contact Dr. Steven Harrison for Orthodontic Work
Dr. Steven Harrison and the orthodontic staff at Parkcrest Dental Group are dedicated to providing you with a high level of service. Dr. Harrison’s commitment to helping his patients achieve the perfect smile is the reason that so many in the Springfield area trust him with their orthodontic work. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group today for any and all of your dental needs.
