Download WHAT TyPE OF BRACES MIGHT I NEED?

DONEGAL ORTHODONTICS
LETTERKENNY • DONEGAL TOWN
CLINICS: Ballyraine, Letterkenny. • 3 Castle Street, Donegal Town.
t: 074 91 29400
e: [email protected]
www.donegalorthodontics.com
What type of braces might I need?
The type of brace you need will depend on what type of problem you have. There may be a choice of brace depending on
severity of the problem and the goals of treatment.
‘Train track’ braces - fixed appliances
The most common type of treatment is done with fixed appliances, often known
as ‘train track’ braces. These are exceptionally reliable and are the best way to
align teeth for most patients. A bracket is glued to each tooth which allows the
orthodontist to gently pull or push the teeth around. A very fine wire is tied to
the brackets to apply this gentle force. In our practice we use Damon self ligating
brackets that apply extremely light forces making these treatments very comfortable, a little quicker and require fewer visits
than the older generation of brackets. We also use ‘Tip Edge’ brackets that are also low friction and allow treatment of more
severe types of bites.
Ceramic ‘white’ brackets
The big disadvantage of metal ‘train track’ braces is that they can be seen! White
(ceramic) brackets can be used for adult clients, but they do have some minor draw
backs. These draw backs can be overcome with good patient motivation and a
couple of extra visits. These brackets can still be seen but are much more discreet.
Invisible aligners
These appliances have become extremely popular in recent years and can certainly
help with some simple orthodontic problems. We use a simple 5 stage therapy
which can treat minor alignment problems with good cooperation. Patients should
be aware that this type of treatment seems to offer the perfect solution with no
visible appliance, however there are limitations. Unfortunately the control over
the tooth position is much reduced and the results can be disappointing if
the expectations are too high or they are not worn properly. This form of
treatment can be useful for patients who are unable to tolerate fixed appliance and are aware of the limitations.
These appliances are also good for cases with minor relapse following previous orthodontic treatment.
REMOVABLE APPLIANCES
Upper removable appliances are the traditional’ spring’ used very commonly before fixed appliances became available. they
can treat very simple alignment problems, but also have sever limitations. Occasionally we use these appliances for young
children with simple problems.
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
What type of braces might I need contd?
Functional appliances
Growing patients who have significant problems with their jaw growth and their bites,
can be helped by using functional appliances.
These appliances encourage the bite to work in a ‘corrected’ position. This will retrain the
muscles of the jaws and face to bite in a different ‘correct’ position and will encourage the
remaining facial growth to adapt to this new improved biting position. If worn well, these
appliances will always improve the position of the teeth. In many cases we also see a an
improvement of the jaw position through altered growth. This treatment effect is variable
between patients and is hard to predict.
Lingual Appliances
Lingual appliances on the inside of the teeth are available, but are expensive, more
difficult to adjust and can be more uncomfortable. They are also limited in what they can
achieve. If patients want lingual appliances we can provide this after a full explanation of
the pros and cons .
Orthodontic-Surgical Treatments
Patients with a severe mismatch of the size and position of the jaws cannot be treated
fully with orthodontics alone. This comes from having a growth discrepancy during adolescence and can result in poor
function of the bite and may affect facial form. Treatment of such problems involves orthodontics first before the jaws are
moved surgically to a corrected position towards the end of the orthodontic treatment. This is only suitable for certain
patients but can give life changing results.
If you have interest or need this type of treatment, you will be given every opportunity to discuss the treatment options before
making a fully informed decision. We can arrange the surgery in Dublin or closer to home as desired.
DONEGAL ORTHODONTICS
LETTERKENNY • DONEGAL TOWN
CLINICS: Ballyraine, Letterkenny. • 3 Castle Street, Donegal Town.
t: 074 91 29400
e: [email protected]
www.donegalorthodontics.com