TREATMENT OPTIONS
Metal and Clear Braces
Metal braces come in a variety of sizes. We have selected the smallest brackets available to use for our patients. The combination of small metal brackets and metal wires, provide the most practical and efficient system for the correction of complex malocclusions. Many of our patients like to use colourful elastic ligatures to customize the look of their braces. Patients can select from a variety of colours at each appointment.
For patients that desire a more discrete brace appearance, we offer a ceramic bracket, which is very difficult to detect on the tooth surface. Many of our adult patients select ceramic brackets for their treatment. While being less visible, the brackets have the disadvantage of creating a slightly slower movement of the teeth, extending treatment time. Both clear and small metal brackets can be used to create the same beautiful results.
Metal braces come in a variety of sizes. We have selected the smallest brackets available to use for our patients. The combination of small metal brackets and metal wires, provide the most practical and efficient system for the correction of complex malocclusions. Many of our patients like to use colourful elastic ligatures to customize the look of their braces. Patients can select from a variety of colours at each appointment.
For patients that desire a more discrete brace appearance, we offer a ceramic bracket, which is very difficult to detect on the tooth surface. Many of our adult patients select ceramic brackets for their treatment. While being less visible, the brackets have the disadvantage of creating a slightly slower movement of the teeth, extending treatment time. Both clear and small metal brackets can be used to create the same beautiful results.
Clear Aligners
For less complex orthodontic corrections, we can provide patients with a series of clear aligners. These clear aligners fit over all of the teeth and have the advantage of being removable for cleaning, and social situations. To fabricate the aligners, patients must have a special imprint made in both of their arches, and must be willing to wear the aligners as close to 24 hours per day as possible. We have been using the clear correct system because of its strength and effectiveness. For the more difficult orthodontic corrections, we have utilized a combination of clear aligners and clear braces to provide a less visible appliance for our adult patients.
For less complex orthodontic corrections, we can provide patients with a series of clear aligners. These clear aligners fit over all of the teeth and have the advantage of being removable for cleaning, and social situations. To fabricate the aligners, patients must have a special imprint made in both of their arches, and must be willing to wear the aligners as close to 24 hours per day as possible. We have been using the clear correct system because of its strength and effectiveness. For the more difficult orthodontic corrections, we have utilized a combination of clear aligners and clear braces to provide a less visible appliance for our adult patients.
Orthognathic Surgery
When patients have severe imbalance in the sizes of their upper and lower jaws, it is very difficult to create an ideal orthodontic correction for their malocclusion. When an acceptable result cannot be achieved through extraction of teeth combined with appliance wear, patients can consider the option of orthognathic surgery. Surgical treatment requires a period of time with braces to improve the coordination of the upper and lower arches. Surgery is then completed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon .The surgeon adjusts jaw relations through movements of the upper and lower jaws into harmonious balance with the rest of the patient's facial structure. Following the completion of the surgery, the patient's bite is idealized with braces, which must be present during surgery. Patients are provided with retainers that are identical to those used by patients who are treated conventionally.
When patients have severe imbalance in the sizes of their upper and lower jaws, it is very difficult to create an ideal orthodontic correction for their malocclusion. When an acceptable result cannot be achieved through extraction of teeth combined with appliance wear, patients can consider the option of orthognathic surgery. Surgical treatment requires a period of time with braces to improve the coordination of the upper and lower arches. Surgery is then completed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon .The surgeon adjusts jaw relations through movements of the upper and lower jaws into harmonious balance with the rest of the patient's facial structure. Following the completion of the surgery, the patient's bite is idealized with braces, which must be present during surgery. Patients are provided with retainers that are identical to those used by patients who are treated conventionally.
Retainers
When tooth movement is complete, it is necessary to have a system in place to maintain the corrections. The options for retainers are removable and fixed. Since the lower front teeth create a straight form for the upper front teeth when patients close their teeth, it is vital that the lower teeth are maintained as straightly as possible for as long as possible. We have found that a fine wire custom fit and precisely glued to the inside of the lower teeth is the best way to maintain the alignment of the lower teeth. We attempt to place the wires in a hygienic position and leave them in place as long as the patients are not experiencing trouble maintaining them in a clean and comfortable state. When the upper teeth are significantly out of line or have large spaces between them prior to treatment, we place a fixed retainer wire behind the upper teeth as well. All patients are also given a removable upper retainer, which should be worn at least nightly for 1 year after their braces are removed and usually for another year at least every other night. There is usually no harm in wearing the retainer more frequently. Dr. Allen monitors the teeth for 2 years following the removal of the braces and provides specific instructions for retainer wear at visits during this 2-year period.
When tooth movement is complete, it is necessary to have a system in place to maintain the corrections. The options for retainers are removable and fixed. Since the lower front teeth create a straight form for the upper front teeth when patients close their teeth, it is vital that the lower teeth are maintained as straightly as possible for as long as possible. We have found that a fine wire custom fit and precisely glued to the inside of the lower teeth is the best way to maintain the alignment of the lower teeth. We attempt to place the wires in a hygienic position and leave them in place as long as the patients are not experiencing trouble maintaining them in a clean and comfortable state. When the upper teeth are significantly out of line or have large spaces between them prior to treatment, we place a fixed retainer wire behind the upper teeth as well. All patients are also given a removable upper retainer, which should be worn at least nightly for 1 year after their braces are removed and usually for another year at least every other night. There is usually no harm in wearing the retainer more frequently. Dr. Allen monitors the teeth for 2 years following the removal of the braces and provides specific instructions for retainer wear at visits during this 2-year period.
Address
Braces on College Dr. Lawrence Allen Orthodontist 562 College St. Toronto, ON M6G1B1 |
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Our Goal
To be your neighbourhood source for personalized orthodontic care in a stress free environment |