Fixed orthodontic appliance
Materials and mechanism
- Attach orthodontic brackets in appropriate positions on the tooth surfaces so that when the orthodontic brackets and orthodontic wire are tied up, the spring back action of the orthodontic wire will move the teeth.
- Gradually, the teeth are moved to the desired positions determined by the shape of the orthodontic wire.
Procedures for fixed orthodontic appliance
- Placement of orthodontic brackets
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The orthodontic wire and orthodontic brackets are connected by elastics and stainless steel wire (ligatures).
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Regular dental visit should be made according to the instructions of the orthodontist to:
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Check the movement of the teeth
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Change the elastics or stainless steel wire
- Change the orthodontic wire
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After the teeth have moved to the desired positions, a retainer is inserted to hold and stabilize the tooth positions.
Treatment duration
- Overall treatment duration lasts for about one and a half to three years. The actual time needed depends on the complexity of treatment.
Removable orthodontic appliance
Materials and mechanism
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Springs or screws are embedded in an acrylic plate, which is held in place by stainless steel wire clasps, to move the teeth to the desired positions.
Procedures for removable orthodontic appliance
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Take impressions on the teeth.
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Fabricate the removable orthodontic appliance in the dental laboratory.
- Try in the appliance in patient’s mouth, and adjust the springs/screws accordingly.
- Follow up dental visits to check the tooth movements and adjust the springs/screws regularly.
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After the teeth have been moved to the desired positions, the removable orthodontic appliance will serve as a retainer to stabilize the tooth positions.
Treatment duration
- The treatment may last for about 6 to 12 months. The actual time needed depends on the complexity of treatment.