How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Different types of appliances, fixed or removable, can be used to help move teeth. These appliances place gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws to effect significant movement over time. The severity of the orthodontic problem will determine which orthodontic approach is used.

Fixed appliances used may include any of the following:

• Braces - braces are the most common fixed appliance used in orthodontics. They consist of bands, wires and/or metal brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth anchoring the whole appliance, while brackets will frequently be bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and fixed to the bands. Tightening the arch wire applies pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them to their desired position. Braces can be adjusted monthly to give the desired results, which can even be achieved within a few months. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and less metallic than in the past. They are produced with bright colors for kids as well as “clear look” preferred by many adults.
• Special fixed appliances - most often used to control thumb sucking and/or tongue thrusting, these devices are fixed to the teeth by bands. Because they are very awkward during meals, they are used only as a last resort.
• Fixed space maintainers - whenever a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer can be used to keep the gap open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is fixed to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire extends out to the tooth on the other side of the space.

Removable appliances used may include any of the following:

• Invisalign® - A state-of-the-art alternative to traditional metal braces for adults only. This series of clear, plastic aligners are used by orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances do, only without any wires or metal brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible when in place and may be removed for easier brushing, flossing and eating. The manufacturers of these aligners recently named Dr. Edwards one of their Top Invisalign® Specialists worldwide.
• Removable space maintainers - these devices fulfill the same function as fixed space maintainers. They’re made with an acrylic substance that fits over the jaw, with plastic or wire branches between teeth to keep the gap between them open.
• Jaw repositioning appliances - these devices are also called splints and are worn on either the upper or lower jaw. They help train the jaw to shut in a more favorable position. They are sometimes used for temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
• Lip and cheek bumpers - designed to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Lip and cheek muscles sometimes put pressure on the teeth - these bumpers help relieve that pressure.
• Palatal expander - a device used to expand the arch of the upper jaw. A plastic plate is fitted over the roof of the mouth. Outward pressure on the plate forces the joints in the bones of the palate to open up lengthwise, thereby widening the palatal area.
• Removable retainers -these devices prevent return of the teeth to their previous position. They are often used to prevent thumb sucking also.
• Headgear - a strap is positioned around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front. Special headgear slows the growth of the upper jaw, holds the back teeth in place and allows the front teeth to be pulled back.