Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that deals with mispositioned teeth and jaws. Some orthodontic procedures can only be performed by a specialist, while others can be performed by general and cosmetic dentists. Read on to find out about a few of the most common Orthodontic Procedures in Vancouver WA to get a better idea of what they entail.
Braces and Aligners
Traditional braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that consist of bands, wires, and brackets. The brackets are fixed directly to the front of the patient’s teeth and the wires pass through the brackets and attach to the bands, placing tension on the teeth and moving them slowly into their proper position. Aligners are an alternative to traditional braces, but they are removable and nearly invisible, which makes them more popular with adult patients.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are used by pediatric orthodontists when their patients lose teeth prematurely. They keep the space open until a permanent tooth erupts using bands and wires to keep the teeth to either side from crowding the space. They can be either fixed or movable.
Jaw Repositioning Appliances
Sometimes referred to as splints, jaw repositioning appliances are used to treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). They are worn on either the top or lower jaw and are designed to move the jaw slowly into a more favorable position.
Palatal Expanders
These devices are placed across the roof of a patient’s mouth. They use outward force to widen the patient’s upper jaw arch, forcing the joints of the palate to open and widening the palatal area. The placement of palatal expanders is one of the more common pediatric Orthodontic Procedures in Vancouver WA.
Specialized Headgear
Headgear has become less common in modern times thanks to other advances in orthodontic technologies, but it is still used sometimes to slow the growth of the upper jaw. When a patient wears headgear, his or her front teeth are pulled backward using a strap around the back of the head and a metal wire, or face bow.
Learn More Today
Want to find out more about common orthodontic procedures and devices? Find a Trusted Dentist who can explain orthodontic procedures and options in more detail today.
