Orthodontic basics

What is a orthodontist and what do they do?

An Orthodontist is a dentist specializing in the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth and they would be the ones over seeing all orthodontic treatment. (Merriam-Webster)

What are orthodontic appliances?

In addition to traditional braces and clear plastic braces, there are many additional appliances that orthodontist use during treatment. Below are some examples:

Orthodontic Appliances

Bionator – An acrylic appliance which fits on the upper and lower teeth, and postures the lower jaw forward. A bionator is used to encourage lower jaw growth.

Bite Plate – A fixed or removable appliance used to open a deep bite (decrease the vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors)

Bonded RPE – A palatal expander which in addition to the metal framework, contains plastic over the biting surfaces of the back teeth. This type of expander is used to minimize bite opening during expansion.

Forsus™ - A system of push-rods and springs used to posture the lower jaw forward and encourage lower jaw growth.

Haas Expander – A palatal expander which addition to the metal framework, contains plastic shelves which contact the palatal tissue.

Headgear – A removable appliance worn to restrict growth of the upper jaw and improve overjet (“overbite”) problems. It normally consists of a facebow that attaches to the teeth and a strap that fits around the neck or head

Herbst – A fixed appliance that improves “overbite” by encouraging lower jaw growth

Lip Bumper – A wire or piece of plastic connected to the lower molars which serve to preserve or create space for other teeth.

Lower Lingual Arch – A fixed appliance used to keep the lower molars from moving forward

Miniscrew (Temporary Anchorage Device) – A metal screw placed in the palate or gum areas that serve to provide additional stability when moving teeth. The screw is removed after the desired tooth movement has occurred.

Mouthguard – A removable plastic piece that fits over the teeth. It protects the teeth and inside of the mouth when playing sports.

Nance – A fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward.

Nightguard (Splint) – A removable plastic piece worn at night to minimize harmful effects of bruxism (grinding).

Pendulum – An appliance that moves the upper molars backward. A pendulum is used for creating space to align the upper teeth and for improving overjet problems.

Positioner – A removable appliance used to finalize tooth movements after the braces are removed

Quad-helix – A fixed appliance used to expand the upper or lower arch

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) – A type of palatal expander. The RPE usually has a screw which the patient or parent turns to widen the upper jaw.

Reverse-Pull Headgear (Facemask) – A removable appliance worn to encourage growth of the upper jaw in order to correct a negative overjet (“underbite”).

TPA – A fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward and down.

Tongue Crib – An appliance used to prevent the tongue from thrusting forward

Tongue Spurs – Pointy metal spurs that are used to control a tongue-thrusting habit. Tongue spurs can be bonded to the teeth or soldered onto an appliance such as a lingual arch

Thumb Appliance – An appliance used to curb a thumb or fingersucking habit. The appliance makes it difficult for the patient to keep the digit in the mouth.

Twin Block – A two-piece appliance which consists of upper and lower pieces with ramps that guide the lower jaw forward when the patient closes down. The twin block is used to encourage lower jaw growth

References-

Yang, D. S. (n.d.). Braces questions. Retrieved November/December, 2011, from www.bracesquestions.com