As your dedicated local orthodontist, Dr. Sankey provides a variety of orthodontic appliances to cater to each patient’s unique needs. These appliances range from modern clear aligners to retainers and more. Our full range of appliances allows Dr. Sankey to treat a variety of orthodontic concerns. Dr. Sankey will choose the most effective and comfortable option to help you achieve a great smile.
Herbst Appliance
A Herbst appliance is a special kind of brace that people wear in their mouth to help fix problems with their teeth. This orthodontic appliance has metal parts that connect your top and bottom teeth together. Holding your jaw in this position will help align your bottom and top jaw. It works by shifting the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward.
A herbst appliance is fixed into place and is usually used for younger patients who have too much of an overbite or underbite. This will drastically help the bite (how the top and bottom teeth fit together).
Patients typically need to wear it for about a year. This orthodontic appliance can make a big difference in how your smile looks and how your teeth work together when you eat.
Elastics
Elastics are vital to orthodontic treatment because they help move teeth into the right position. Patients can fix their bites and align their teeth properly by wearing elastics.
The elastics work with braces to apply gentle pressure, which helps shift the teeth into place. Different-sized elastics signify varying forces of pressure. The pressure applied helps to shift teeth into place. You must wear the elastics as prescribed by your orthodontist to apply the correct and intended amount of pressure.
When you use elastics during your orthodontic treatment, they will help improve how your smile looks and how your teeth fit together. When they properly align your teeth, it will be easier for you to eat and talk. Making sure to wear elastics as directed by your orthodontist is key for successful treatment.
Separators
Separators create space between the teeth and allow bands to fit over the teeth. It is normal for patients to experience soreness after a separator is placed. However, this should go away once patients begin to adjust. Separators are a very important step in getting braces because they create room for the braces, typically placed about a week or two later.
Retainers
Retainers can either be removable or fixed in place. After completing your orthodontic treatment, they hold your teeth in place and prevent them from shifting. To properly use retainers, patients must wear them for the recommended time.
Your orthodontist will instruct you on the best ways to care for your retainer and provide details regarding the length of retainer treatment. At Flower Mound Orthodontics, we currently offer Hawley retainers and Essix retainers.
Invisalign®
Invisalign are clear, removable aligners that shift the teeth into proper alignment. The series of aligners are custom-made to fit perfectly against your teeth, causing little to no discomfort while also shifting your teeth. You periodically switch the aligners as teeth shift further into position. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, the amount of sets of aligners used may vary. This teeth-straightening method is the number one patient-requested clear aligner system in the United States.
It is comfortable, convenient, and virtually unnoticeable. This orthodontic treatment is ideal for teens and adults with minor to moderate orthodontic concerns. Invisalign aligners work quickly and discretely. For instance, Invisalign treatment can address malocclusion, overbite, underbite, gapped, and overcrowded teeth.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander is a custom-made device to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth fit together. This is done by gently exerting pressure on your upper molars each time the palatal expander is adjusted. This pressure progressively shifts and expands the patient’s jaw.
Once the desired expansion is reached, you will wear the appliance for a few months to stabilize the expansion and prevent regression. An orthodontist may recommend an expander for patients with impacted teeth, overcrowding, or crossbite. Retainers used to stabilize treatment may be permanent or removable.
Orthodontic Appliances FAQs
Do you have further questions about orthodontic appliances? Continue reading to learn more and to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office. Contact Flower Mound Orthodontics if you have more questions or concerns we did not cover here.
How long does it take to make custom orthodontics?
It typically takes around a month to make custom orthodontic appliances. First, a mold is taken, shipped to a separate company where they make appliances, and then shipped back to the orthodontist. Typically, this process takes somewhere between 3 to 4 weeks.
Do custom orthodontics hurt or feel uncomfortable while wearing?
Any orthodontic appliances restructure the shape of one’s jaw and teeth. They apply pressure to the teeth to push them into an aligned position so patients will feel some pressure. This can sometimes be painful and sore for patients’ mouths and jaw. Many orthodontic appliances are removable, so when patients are experiencing excessive soreness and pain, they can remove them (with your orthodontist’s approval) to give their mouth a break.
At what age can orthodontic treatment begin?
Orthodontic treatment can begin at any age once adult teeth have erupted. However, the ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment is during childhood or adolescence when the jaw is still growing. Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. It is important to remember that it is never too late to pursue a straighter smile.
Can I eat normally with orthodontic appliances?
While some adjustments to your diet may be necessary, you can generally eat a regular diet with orthodontic appliances. However, it’s important to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage the appliances or get stuck in them. Dietary changes depend on the type of appliance.
Will orthodontic treatment affect my speech?
While adjusting may take some time, most people adapt quickly to speaking with orthodontic appliances. Any temporary changes in speech, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, usually improve within a few days or weeks. Orthodontic appliances may impact your speech initially. However, any speech difficulty should not last long.
How can I care for my teeth if I wear braces or a retainer?
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, patients should remember to be consistent with their oral health and very on top of it because orthodontic appliances cause oral health problems post-treatment. Some ways to keep up with your oral health is to remember to floss twice a day (or after every meal) and floss at least once a day, use fluoridated toothpaste, clean your appliance after you eat, avoid soda and candy, and keep up with your dental cleanings.
Does a palatal expander hurt?
A palatal expander may cause some discomfort and pressure, especially when your orthodontist first places or adjusts it. However, this sensation is usually mild and only temporary. We suggest that you manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long do you need to wear a palatal expander?
The treatment time for a palatal expander varies depending on your specific needs. On average, you’ll need to wear it for several months. Dr. Sankey will provide a more precise timeline based on your treatment plan.
How long do you need to wear a Herbst Appliance?
The typical treatment time for a Herbst appliance is around 12 to 15 months. This duration allows for the desired jaw expansion and guidance of teeth into their correct positions. Dr. Sankey will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
What are the pros and cons of the Herbst Appliance?
The Herbst appliance offers efficient jaw correction and can improve your bite. It’s less visible than traditional braces, and you don’t need to adjust or remove it. However, it can be bulkier, and you’ll need to avoid sticky or hard foods during treatment.
Visit Our Flower Mound, TX Orthodontics Practice
An orthodontic appliance is one of Dr. Sankey’s services to the public. When necessary, Dr. Sankey will recommend an orthodontic appliance to restore balance and health to your smile. When left untreated, dental problems can result in a more complex dental issue. It is important to note that some orthodontic appliances may cause minimal discomfort as patients adjust to their new devices.
Our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics makes every effort to ensure our patients receive treatment plans tailored to their needs. During your visit, Dr. Sankey will evaluate your teeth and jaw to determine which dental appliance is right for you.
Explore your oral appliance options with our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics. To schedule an appointment, call us at (972) 539-4747 or request a dental exam online.