Modern braces put very light pressures on your teeth, gently
guiding them into an attractive and healthy position. Dr. Grady and
Dr. Kastner will suggest what type of braces might be best for your
individual teeth. You usually have choices of color, style or even
“invisible” braces.
Archwires put very light pressures on your teeth gently guiding
them into their proper positions. As your teeth move, your
orthodontist may adjust the archwires to insure the perfect amount
of pressure will always be on your teeth. Occasionally people may
need elastics (rubber bands). Wearing them as directed will expedite
your teeth moving into place.
When light pressures are placed on teeth, the jawbone surrounding
the teeth changes shape. Special bone in your jaws called alveolar
bone remodels continuously, even in people who are not wearing
braces. Orthodontists use the natural remodeling property of
alveolar bone to guide your teeth into a new, healthy and attractive
position.
Your teeth may feel sore or even a little loose after your
archwires have been adjusted. This is because your teeth are moving
in the bone. The soreness won’t last long. But if your mouth really
hurts, Dr. Grady and Dr. Kastner may suggest taking acetaminophen
(Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Soft nutritious foods like cake and
ice cream (just kidding) may be easiest to eat that day.
Below are pictures and descriptions of several of the orthodontic
appliances that Dr. Grady and Dr. Kastner utilize: (Click on
the pictures to see a larger view.)
Facemask
Face masks are used in conjunction with fixed appliances to
correct underbites.
It is a relatively easy appliance to wear and patients are
able to place and remove the face mask on their own.
It is attached with elastics that should be changed daily. If
you lose your package of elastics, please call the office or
stop in for more.
The face mask should be worn at least 8 hours per day
(bedtime is the easiest).
It is very important to wear the face mask every night. The
more the face mask is worn, the faster it works to correct the
underbite.
Some patients experience skin irritation from the chin cup.
This can be relieved by placing soft absorbent non-allergenic
cotton or a 100% cotton sock over the chin cup. A hydrocortisone
cream may be used on the chin.
Please bring the face mask with you for each appointment so
it can be checked and adjusted as necessary.
Schwarz
Purpose: A removable expander used to correct crowding
of the lower front teeth.
Wear: 24 hours a day unless instructed otherwise.
Eating: The Schwarz should not be worn while eating
and should be removed to brush.
Cleaning: The Schwarz should be brushed with a
toothbrush and toothpaste. It may also be soaked in any denture
cleaning product such as Efferdent or Polident.
Storage: While the Schwarz is not in your mouth it
should always be kept in its case.
Expansion: Your Schwarz has expansion screws and
should be activated two times per week.
Ulcers or Pressure Points: Some patients will
experience ulcers from wearing the appliance, and these can
easily be adjusted.
Rapid Palatal Expander
Purpose: The purpose of the expander is to
orthopedically widen your upper jaw quickly. This is necessary
when you have a crossbite or underbite.
Wear: The expander is bonded or glued into place and
stays in for six months. You will be instructed on how to clean
and how to turn the expander at your first appointment. We will
check your expander every 3 to 6 weeks to monitor your progress.
Getting used to the expander takes a few days and may be a
little frustrating at first. A space will appear between the
upper front teeth and they may also feel a little loose. This is
very normal and not the finished appearance.
Diet: You will be able to eat almost everything that
you did before with a few exceptions such as gum, taffy, ice,
jaw breakers, and jolly ranchers.
Speech: Speaking takes a little practice at first. We
recommend reading a book out loud or singing along with your
favorite music.
Dual Arch Expander
Purpose: The purpose of the expander is to
orthopedically widen your upper and lower jaws at the same time.
This is necessary when your mouth is too narrow to accommodate
all of your permanent teeth.
Wear: The expander is bonded or glued into place and
stays in for six months. You will be instructed on how to clean
and how to turn the expander at your first appointment. We will
check your expander every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor your progress.
Getting used to the expander takes a few days and may be a
little frustrating at first.
Diet: You will be able to eat almost everything that
you did before with a few exceptions such as gum, taffy, ice,
jaw breakers, and jolly ranchers.
Speech: Speaking takes a little practice at first. We
recommend reading a book out loud or singing along with your
favorite music.
Bionator
Objective: To reduce overbite; encourages lower jaw
growth.
- Your bionator only works when worn
properly. It should be held between the upper and lower
teeth to be effective.
- If your bionator has an expansion screw,
you’ll be instructed to turn it two times a week. We will
measure the amount of overbite at each visit and adjust the
wearing time accordingly.
- When you first receive your bionator,
you’ll be wearing it 24 hrs. a day except when eating or
brushing. It should also be removed while playing sports or
a musical instrument.
- The bionator may be cleaned with a
toothbrush and toothpaste a few times daily, and may be
soaked in cool water with Efferdent once or twice a week.
- As with every removable appliance, when
it is not in your mouth, it should be in its case. Never
wrap your bionator in a napkin or leave it on a lunch tray,
and never leave your bionator where a pet can get it- they
will eat it!!!
