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Types of Orthodontic Dental Appliances

Orthodontic appliances are designed to correct various dental issues such as gaps, crooked teeth, over and under bites and other significant oral concerns. Your general dentist in Etobicoke can assess and recommend the proper dental treatment. 

types of orthodontic dental appliances

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Dental or orthodontic appliances are sometimes necessary when it comes to effectively implementing certain dental treatments. There’s actually an expansive selection of orthodontic appliances in dentistry, some of which you may have already heard of. Others might be foreign to you. Here is a list of the different types of orthodontic appliances, some of which are not as common and well known as others.

Palatal Expander

The name of this particular orthodontic appliance aptly describes its purpose. This treatment is most commonly administered at a young age because the jaw isn’t fully formed yet and it’s still malleable. Palatal expanders are used to expand the upper jaw which helps to later align the upper teeth with the lower teeth to establish a straighter smile and a stronger bite.

Forsus 

The Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device is one of the most versatile orthodontic appliances on the market because it serves multiple purposes. It works alongside braces to reposition the upper and lower teeth to make them more congruent and it corrects over jets and can in some cases eliminate the need for intrusive jaw surgery.

Pendulum

The pendulum is typically placed behind the upper teeth to prevent or correct posterior movement of the upper molars so that enough space is created for new permanent teeth to break the surface. This type of misalignment can have a negative impact on the bite of the upper and lower teeth. This device is comprised of metal rings that are affixed to the upper first molars on both sides of the jaw and wires that rest on the grooves between the teeth.

Headgear

Headgear is an external type of dental appliance that’s no longer commonly used as the other dental appliances mentioned here. Its purpose is to correct severe overbites and underbites by carefully and slowly repositioning the upper and lower jaw to their correct positions.

Retainers 

Retainers can either be permanent or temporary fixtures. They usually follow the extended use of braces to straighten out your teeth and their purpose is to help your teeth maintain their fresh new alignment, preventing them from slowly shifting back into their old, crooked positions. They can either be in the form of a glued in wire of plastic appliance worn at night to ensure the position of the teeth are retained.

Positioners

Tooth positioners or aligners are usually the final step in the teeth straightening process. They serve as an alternative to retainers and their main function is to hold your newly straightened teeth in place until they’re fully settled in their new positions. With proper care, this process shouldn’t last longer than eight weeks.

Spacers

Spacers, also known as separators, are a segue dental appliance that consists of implanting tiny rubber donuts in the limited space between the teeth to push them apart and make room for other dental appliances needed for further dental treatment.

Braces

Braces are one of the most common orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth and correct malocclusion. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and rubber bands that work together to gradually move teeth into the desired position.

Archwire

Dentists rely on the durability and stability of a metal wire (archwire) to gently support the shifting of the teeth. This is used along with the braces to guide the teeth movements. 

Elastics

While elastics are commonly used to support the functioning of braces to move the teeth together, they are also used to correct overbite, gaps, and repositioning a tooth. 

Schwartz

Commonly known as the Schwarz Appliance, it is used to support the growing of the bone within the upper arch by expanding the width. 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option that uses custom-made clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible to straighten teeth and improve overall dental health. Unlike traditional braces that use brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snugly over teeth, providing a more comfortable and discreet way to achieve the perfect smile. Your general dentist at Princeview Dental can provide this treatment without referring to an outside specialist.

Twin Block Appliance

A Twin Block Appliance is a specialized tool that aims to correct the alignment of a patient's jaw. Designed with two separate components that work in tandem, the Twin Block Appliance is custom fit to a patient's mouth and designed to guide the jaw into a more proper alignment over time. 

Expander

An expander helps to widen a narrow jaw treated with a palatal expansion. It encloses the posterior teeth with attachment to the acrylic posterior bite plane. 

For a general dentist in Etobicoke, book an appointment with the experienced team at Princeview Dental Group. In our modern and welcoming environment, you will receive a personalized dental plan to enhance your smile and oral health. Call us at (416) 231-4562 today!

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