Conventional Braces
~ the most common treatment involves stainless steel braces.
These allow the most control of tooth movement and allow the quickest treatment.
InvisalignTM
~ a series of vacuum adapted aligners that accomplish consecutive small movements of teeth toward a computer generated endpoint
The aligners have to be worn 22 hours a day every day. A new set of aligners are given to the patient every 2 weeks. These treatments generally include reshaping of the teeth to gain space to eliminate crowding. Quite often, a similar result can be obtained with a special retainer, the spring retainer. This treatment is much less expensive.
Headgear
~ worn on the head, attaches to conventional braces
Although not very popular, this device worn only at night allows orthodontists to move teeth without affecting other teeth that would be the anchor units. In addition, in growing patients it allows the orthodontist to work with growth and use it to make the correction. This is the best approach but it does rely on a willing patient.
Temporary Anchorage Devices
~ implanted anchors for braces
These small screws are placed into the gums and serve as an anchor to pull against and move teeth. They are useful but certainly not for every single case. In addition, about 1 out of every 4 of these come out before we want them to.
Ceramic Brackets
~ non-metal braces
These are clear or tooth-colored braces that mask some of the metal look. The major drawbacks are breakage and cost.
Lingual Braces
~ hidden braces used on the backs of teeth
These braces are placed on the tongue-side of the teeth. This is actually quite annoying and can cause a lisp when talking. In addition, they generally cost approximately twice as much as conventional braces and do not allow tooth movements to be made as easily.
Sleep Apnea
~ various treatments
Most appliances for this condition are designed to move the lower jaw forward during sleeping. This can generate forces on the teeth that can be detrimental to the teeth.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
~ whole-jaw treatments
This term describes the attempt to affect the jaw-to-jaw relationship in an attempt to affect the tooth-to-tooth relationship. Examples of treatments that give results include functional appliances, headgear, and even elastics when used during growth.
TMD or TMJ
~ various treatments
This condition can be helped with treatment, however, it generally has only a temporary affect. Most of the jaw joint problems can be traced to the patient's habit of venting stress by clenching or grinding the teeth, especially at night. Under certain conditions special plastic retainers called bite splints are used to help diagnose and treat this condition. On rare occasions, the oral surgeon is called in to evaluate for surgical intervention.