To create the smile that is perfect for you, Dr. Durrett may use a variety of interesting tools called appliances.
Orthodontic appliances have different names and uses, so the doctor will need to decide which ones are best for you. Here’s a cheatsheet of the most common appliances and their descriptions:
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are predictable and effective for correcting a broad range of orthodontic problems. With the use of bonded brackets, bands, and wires, Dr. Durrett has maximum control over the movement and position of each tooth. In some instances, traditional braces are the best choice for achieving the proper bite and tooth alignment.
With traditional braces, you can express your personal style and flair by choosing from our wide range of color options in brackets and elastics.
Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces by 3M
This innovative system utilizes clear ceramic brackets and wires that are bonded in place to straighten your teeth. They work just like traditional braces, with a few advantages.
Our patients often tell us that they appreciate the enhanced comfort that Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Braces by 3M Unitek provides. These braces feature rounded edges which help to reduce irritation and discomfort compared to other brands.
Plus, the translucent ceramic is stain resistant-- the perfect option for anyone who wants to show off their smile, but not their braces.
Or, our patients may choose to go bold and add some color to the clear braces.
Carriere® Motion Appliance
This appliance is a bar that is bonded to the upper teeth and an elastic is placed from the upper bar to a hook that is bonded to the lower molar. A stabilizing appliance, such as a lingual holding arch or clear retainer is worn on the lower teeth to prevent movement of the lower teeth while the upper side teeth are moved back to correct the bite. The Carriere Motion appliance is usually worn for an average of 4-6 months prior to braces or Invisalign.
Bluegrass Appliance
This appliance is used to help correct a tongue thrust habit. Tongue thrusting can lead to an open bite whereby the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. It is bonded to the upper molars with a roller in the palate which is designed to help retrain the tongue to rest in the palate instead of resting on the front teeth.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
These are custom-fitted, removable trays that can’t be seen when they are fitted over your teeth. When worn for 22 hours each day, they can gently and effectively move your teeth into alignment as an alternative treatment option to braces.
Elastics
Also known as rubber bands, these are connected to your braces or Invisalign® to help the upper teeth fit together with your lower teeth. Dr. Durrett will tell you when these are needed, and how to use them.
Forsus™ Appliance
This appliance is connected to the braces and may be placed on the teeth for several months for the correction of an overbite. It is most effective when used for our younger patients who are still growing.
Expander
The upper jaw should be wider than the lower jaw, and an expander can provide the necessary correction for patients with a small upper jaw. An expander is also used in some instances where the jaw is too small to allow all the teeth to come into the mouth. Dr. Durrett will let you know if this is needed, place the appliance on the upper molars, show you how to use it, and remove it usually after approximately six months.
Lingual Holding Arch
A small wire attached to metal bands on the molars helps hold the permanent molars in place while the rest of the adult teeth grow in. It is often used during early treatment to maintain spacing and reduce the need for tooth extractions later.
Retainers
After your teeth are perfectly aligned, your retainers will help to keep them that way. Some retainers are permanently bonded to the back sides of your lower teeth. Other retainers are removable and are to be worn for 22 hours per day for the first six months, then 12 hours per day for the following six months. Thereafter, Dr. Durrett recommends regular retainer wear for a lifetime to maintain straight teeth. Dr. Durrett will help you to choose the best retainer option when your treatment is complete.
Do the names of these appliances sound like a foreign language? Don’t worry! We can make it easy to understand. Call us today to talk about it.