4 Common Orthodontic Appliances
If you’re a parent, you know that the odds are relatively low that your child will end up with perfectly straight adult teeth, which is why so many kids end up in an orthodontist’s chair at some point during their teenage years. These specialized dentists use a variety of tools and techniques to help clients achieve a beautiful smile over the course of months or even years, depending on the amount of needed corrections. First-time visitors might wonder how an orthodontist achieves the desired result, so here’s a look at a few of the appliances that you might see used by the specialists in one of the many Draper orthodontics centers.
Headgear
An orthodontist needs room to work his or her magic, and one of the ways that this happens is through the use of headgear. After the dentist mounts a band on each of the rear molars, this device hooks into the sockets of each band. An elastic strap that wraps around the back of the head provides pressure that gradually eases each tooth backwards until there’s enough space for adjustments, other appliances or even more teeth that haven’t emerged. The more often your child wears this appliance, the faster the movement will occur, so be sure to follow your orthodontist’s directions.
Palate Expander
There are times when the top and bottom jaws don’t line up properly, and this problem must be corrected for effective tooth alignment. When a specialist at a Draper orthodontics center installs this appliance, he or she will turn a screw that uses pressure from inside to gradually spread the jaw until everything fits nicely. This technique is most effective on younger children below the age of 15, as this is when the mandible and maxilla bones are still relatively flexible.
Elastics
Also known as rubber bands, these tools are among the most common appliances that you’ll see when you visit a center for orthodontics in Draper or any other city, as they help the dentist train teeth to move a specific way. Each elastic band gets looped around hooks in two specific locations, and the constant pressure helps to tilt a tooth inward or outward. It’s important to wear these devices as often as possible, even when eating, as this is when the jaw is most active. Failure to follow instructions could significantly lengthen the treatment timeline.
Retainers
Once the braces come off, your son or daughter might thing that orthodontic is complete, but there are steps that must be taken to reinforce all of that hard work. This is done through the use of a retainer, which helps to hold teeth in place and help results stay in place over the long haul. For best results, this device should be worn indefinitely, as often as possible during the day and night.
Prepare for Your Child’s New Smile
Now that you know a bit about a few of the more common appliances at a Draper orthodontics center, you’ll be able to prepare your child for every step of treatment. A lot of time and money goes into a perfect smile, which is why you want your son or daughter to follow the dentist’s directions.
About the Author
Weston Barnes is a writer and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book. For more details about orthodontics Draper visit site at http://pleweorthodontics.com/
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