Dr. Burkland Orthodontics performs various Orthodontic Treatment Options. Read more information about each one below.
Conventional Braces
The most popular form of orthodontic treatment is conventional braces. These braces are stainless steel, gold, or porcelain. Most of our teens choose the metal and add colors to them to make their orthodontic experience more fun. The porcelain bracket is considered to be “cosmetic” and most of our adults choose them as they are less noticeable.
Invisalign
This is the newest form of orthodontic treatment and has become very popular. Clear plastic aligners are used to treat specific orthodontic problems. It has appealed to adults who want the versatility of removing their appliances during a business meeting, while dining, or just because they would prefer to have appliances that are less noticeable.
When you come in for your initial examination, Dr. Burkland will be able to tell you whether or not he feels you would be a candidate for “Invisalign.”
Retainer
A retainer for minor tooth movement is normally worn all of the time for approximately four to six months. After the teeth have been moved into their correct position, the retainer is then worn at nighttime to retain the teeth in their new position.
Frankel
We sometimes use a special removable appliance called a Frankel. This appliance is designed to expand the arches and to create additional space for the permanent teeth to erupt. The Frankel is also a functional orthopedic appliance. When worn properly, it will stimulate growth of the lower jaw which will better align the upper and lower teeth.
If the patient has an overjet or “protrusion”, the Frankel will help to reduce that overjet by retracting the upper teeth and bringing the patient into better occlusion or “bite.” Frankel appliances are generally worn for 9-12 months full time followed by night wear for another 9-12 months.
Palatal Expander
This appliance is designed to expand the upper arch so that the patient has adequate space for the permanent teeth to erupt more normally. This appliance is widely used by most orthodontists. The expander is cemented into the patient`s mouth and is worn for 6-8 months. The best time to use the expander is at about the age of 8-9 when the patient has all four incisors fully erupted. When the expansion is complete, the expander is removed and the patient wears a retainer at night.
Schwartz Device
This is a removable expansion appliance. We primarily use them on the lower arch and they are worn for approximately 9 months. They are designed to expand the arch and create additional space for the permanent teeth. We often times use the Schwartz along with the palatal expander, so that both arches are coordinated in their expansion.
Space Maintainers
The space maintainer is a special appliance recommended to preserve the space when primary teeth have been extracted or lost prematurely. This appliance prevents the permanent teeth from drifting into the spaces “reserved” for the unerupted teeth. The appliance is made to fit on the back teeth with a special wire and acrylic contoured to the exact shape of the patient`s dental form. It is cemented to the teeth and stays in place until the remaining permanent teeth erupt.
A second phase of treatment will most likely be recommended at a later age when all of the permanent teeth are present. Successful early treatment with a Space Maintainer can be beneficial in reducing the severity of a developing orthodontic problem. This creates a better framework for the finishing treatment and a more stable final result.