Orthodontics
Get the Perfect Teeth & Jaw Alignment
Orthodontic appliances are used for the prevention and correction of mal-positioned teeth, jaws, and even misaligned bite patterns.
Retainers
Retainers are one of the most popular orthodontic appliance in the industry. Retainers after braces are used to keep the teeth in line and prevent them from shifting back to their original position. As retainers are crucial to the success of a patient’s orthodontic treatment, it is important to understand how they work, and how to use them appropriately in order to make the right decision on which retainer the patient needs.
Removable Retainers
A Removable Retainer is often a plastic retainer made from rigid material that are not able to shift around inside the mouth and therefore aid in maintaining the alignment of the teeth.
Removable Retainers are often suitable for responsible patients as they require additional steps in order to be maintained appropriately. Without proper maintenance, the teeth can shift back to its original position.
As Removable Retainers are as the name suggests; removable, they can be taken out at any time, which can be convenient for eating, or cleaning your teeth or the retainer itself. Removable Retainers also allows for easier flossing as there is no obstruction in the way when flossing.
Permanent Retainers (Lingual Retainer)
A Fixed Retainer such as the lingual retainer wire stay on your your teeth permanently and is designed to prevent any movement of teeth inside the mouth and therefore aid in maintaining the alignment of the teeth.
Note: Your Orthodontist or Dentist may remove your Permanent Retainer if it starts to irritate your teeth or gums, or causes too much tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth around it.
The Permanent Retainer is a perfect solution for anyone who does not want to go through the hassle of remembering to wear and adjust their retainer everyday.
In addition to the convenience of not having to put on and adjust the retainer daily, Permanent Retainers are also difficult to damage due to the material it is made of, and has only little to no effect on the way you speak. They are also bonded behind your teeth, so unless you mention it, nobody else will know it is there.
Functional Appliances
Functional Appliances are used to enhance mandibular growth when treating any skeletal malocclusions. There are many types of Functional Appliances, including Twin Blocks and Bio Blocks. To see our full list of functional orthodontic appliances, please contact us by calling our office (403) 455-0300 or by email at [email protected].
Twin Blocks
Twin Blocks are a removable functional appliance that consists of 2 bite blocks (upper and lower) that interlock at 70° to hold the lower jaw in a forward position. It stimulates lateral and forward growth, and is generally worn for about 7-9 months, and ideal for children who are actively growing.
Bio Block
Bio Blocks also known as “Biobloc” is a removable functional orthodontic appliance that helps one learn to change the posture in the mouth by guiding the lower jaw to fit into the right position. The Bio Block includes several designs for different stages, and in contrast to the Twin Blocks, the Bio Blocks require the patient’s muscles to do the work of holding the jaw in the correct position. The Bio Block is most suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old.
Fixed Appliances
Fixed orthodontic appliances are the most commonly used appliances in orthodontic treatments. This is because they are bonded to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient, allowing for accurate correction of skeletal, jaw, or dental irregularities. To see our full list of fixed orthodontic appliances, please contact us by calling our office (403) 455-0300 or by email at [email protected].
Popular Fixed Appliances
An Expander, also known as Palatal Expander, or RPE, is an orthodontic fixed appliance designed to correct a narrow upper arch that can result in crowding, crossbite, or impacted teeth. It features 2 bands that are cemented onto the last upper molars and are connected by a metal screw that requires regular maintenance in order to expand the appliance.
The Holding Arch is a fixed orthodontic appliance that is designed to maintain the right amount of space in teeth. The Lower Lingual Holding Appliance (LLHA) is designed for the lower arch while the the Trans-Palatal Arch (TPA) is designed for the upper arch.
A Tongue Crip is a fixed orthodontic appliance that prevents a patient’s tongue from pushing towards their front teeth. It is used to correct a condition known as tongue thrusting.