The field of orthodontics has expanded exponentially in the last couple of decades. With newer technology and knowledge, more and more tools have been developed for orthodontists to use, and to help patients improve their oral health. These tools, known as orthodontic appliances are basically devices which are used to adjust the alignment of teeth or their shape or even jaw structure. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the orthodontist can recommend one of several kinds of orthodontic appliances. However, the basic categories under which these orthodontic appliances fall are those that are fixed, those that are removable and functional.
Fixed orthodontic appliances
Fixed orthodontic appliances are those which need to be attached to the teeth and are removed only at the end of the treatment by the orthodontist.
- The most common type of fixed orthodontic appliance are dental braces. These are brackets (metal, steel, gold, silver, ceramic or plastic) which are fixed to the front of each tooth, with wires running through them. These braces apply a slow and consistent pressure on the teeth to reposition them correctly.
- Palatal expanders are also fixed orthodontic appliances which are attached to the upper back teeth so that the upper jaw can be widened.
- Fixed retainers are made of ceramic and are attached to the roof of the mouth. These are fixed after the teeth have been repositioned and help keep the teeth in place.
- Lingual Arch is used with young children to keep the mandible from moving when the baby teeth fall. Sometimes it is referred to as removable however only an orthodontist can remove it.
Removable orthodontic appliances
Removable orthodontic appliances are those that can be taken off by the patient. However they have to be worn for a specific number of hours to be effective, and since they can be removed by the patient at any time, don’t always have the required result.
- Headgear is the most common type of removable orthodontic appliance. It is generally connected to braces, helping the teeth move to the right position by way of pressure. This is worn for about 10-12 hours a day and can be removed by the patient.
- Retainers are also quite common and can be made of molded plastic and wire or acrylic. They are worn after orthodontic treatment is finished and help to hold the newly repositioned teeth in place. They are usually taken off every night by the patient and are to be worn for an average of 6 months.
- Night guard is a removable appliance which is worn to prevent Bruxism –teeth grinding – at night. It can be worn during the day if the Bruxism is severe and is causing noticeable damage.
Functional orthodontic appliances
Functional appliances are those which utilize the muscle action of the patient to get the required orthopaedic action.
- Frankel II Appliance, for example, is a functional appliance which helps advance the mandible and make it grow. The appliance also has screws to assist the growth.
- Frankel V Appliance also used the muscles of the mouth to move the mandible forward as well as stop the maxilla from growing and flattens an open bite.
Orthodontic appliances are extremely useful and can produce excellent results if fixed correctly and worn as advised by the orthodontist.