Invisalign

Invisalign® is a custom-made aligner that is interchanged roughly every two weeks for a period of six to eighteen months, or longer depending on the severity of misalignment. These appliances are generally used for adults and when treating less complicated orthodontic problems.

Similar to a mouth or dental retainer (which is designed to keep teeth from shifting out of place), an Invisalign® aligner is used for orthodontic treatment as a technique to move and properly align teeth for a beautiful smile.

This clear aligner is usually computer generated form a mould (or impression) of the patient’s teeth- taken by an orthodontist and fitting is unique to each patient only.

Retainers

Retainers are custom-made orthodontic appliances that are designed to hold the teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment. They must be worn as instructed.

It is vitally important to understand that it takes time for a mouth to ‘learn’ the new positioning of teeth once braces are removed.

While some minor changes to the bite and tooth alignment post-treatment are normal, wearing a retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends is the best way to ensure the teeth stay healthy and straight for a lifetime.

Braces

There are various types of braces used by Orthodontists- removable, fixed and Invisalign.

“Braces” or conventional fixed orthodontic appliances use brackets directly bonded to each individual tooth. This is the “gold standard” when treating challenging orthodontic problems.

The braces may be made of stainless steel, titanium or clear ceramic.

Expanders

An expander is a device used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) so that the lower and upper teeth will fit together better.

This is a common orthodontic procedure and involves no discomfort.

Plates

In orthodontics, a plate is a hard plastic appliance which fits around the top teeth, the lower teeth or sometimes both.

It uses wire and springs to push the teeth into position or to hold them in place, while other adult teeth descend.

The wires or springs are not fixed to the teeth, so that the plate may be removed. These appliances are generally used in children when the orthodontic problem is mild and involves only a few teeth.