327 Central Park West (Suite 1A), New York, NY 10025
Effective Solutions for Dental & Jaw Issues
At Central Park West Orthodontics, we utilize a range of specialized fixed and removable orthodontic appliances to effectively correct various dental and jaw issues. Understanding the different types of orthodontic appliances can help patients in New York feel more informed about the treatment options.
Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Fixed appliances are the most commonly used tools in orthodontic treatment. They are attached to the teeth and remain in place throughout the course of treatment, working continuously to move teeth or modify jaw development. These appliances are highly effective for correcting a variety of issues, including misaligned teeth, bite problems, space maintenance, and oral habits in growing children. Each type of fixed appliance is designed with a specific goal in mind, contributing to a healthier, better-aligned smile.
Braces– the Most Common Fixed Appliance
The most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper position. Braces are usually adjusted every 6-8 weeks to bring about the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to a few years. Today’s braces are smaller, lighter and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many adults.
Palatal Expander– Widening the Upper Jaw
Palatal expander is a device used to widen the arch of the upper jaw. Outward pressure applied to the expander by screws force the joints in the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area. This appliance is commonly used in growing children when the upper jaw is too narrow to fit properly with the lower jaw, often leading to crowding or crossbite. By gradually expanding the palate, this appliance creates more space for teeth to erupt in better alignment. Treatment with a palatal expander usually lasts a few weeks to months, followed by a retention phase to stabilize the bone structure. The device is custom-made for comfort and effectiveness and can be either removable or fixed depending on the case.
Habit Appliances– Addressing Oral Habits
It is used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the upper first molars by bands and have a crib or “cage” on the palate to eliminate the habit.
These oral habits, if left unaddressed, can lead to serious dental and skeletal issues such as open bite, protrusion of front teeth, speech problems, or improper jaw development. The crib design of the appliance acts as a gentle reminder, making it difficult or uncomfortable for the child to continue the habit unconsciously. Habit appliances are typically recommended after age 4 if the habit persists and can remain in place for several months until the habit is broken. Early intervention not only helps in improving dental alignment but also supports healthy facial growth and function.
Fixed Space Maintainers– Preserving Space for Permanent Teeth
If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space.
Premature loss of baby teeth can cause nearby teeth to drift into the empty space, blocking the path for adult teeth and potentially leading to crowding, impaction, or orthodontic complications. Fixed space maintainers help preserve the natural alignment of the teeth and guide proper eruption of permanent teeth. These appliances are custom-made for each child and are checked regularly during dental visits to ensure they remain secure and effective. Once the permanent tooth begins to erupt, the space maintainer is removed to allow for natural development.
Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA)– Maintaining Lower Arch Space
The LLHA is frequently used as a space maintainer for the lower teeth, helping to maintain the molar position. LLHA and TPA can also be used to stabilize molar position, which helps avoid side effects that can take place during orthodontic therapy. As a space maintainer, the LLHA is frequently used in cases of early loss of the second deciduous molar. In such cases, the LLHA prevents the permanent molars from migrating mesially (forward), thus blocking the eruption space for the premolar teeth. The LLHA is also used to maintain the ‘leeway space,’ which is the extra space available in the arch when the deciduous molars are exfoliated and replaced by smaller permanent premolars.
Treatment With Removable Appliances
Invisalign Aligners– the Clear Removable Option
An alternative to traditional braces for adults, serial aligners are being used by an increasing number of orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Each set of aligners is custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology, which maps out the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired alignment. Patients typically switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, with regular check-ups to monitor progress.
Invisalign aligners are smooth, comfortable, and less likely to cause irritation to cheeks and gums compared to metal braces. They are ideal for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues including crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Because they are removable, they also allow for easier oral hygiene and unrestricted food choices, making them a popular option for both teens and adults with active lifestyles.
Removable Retainers: Maintaining Your Results
Worn both upper and lower, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position. Retainers are an essential part of post-treatment care to ensure your new smile stays in place. They help stabilize the bones and tissues that were adjusted during orthodontic treatment.
There are two main types of removable retainers: Hawley retainers, which are made of a combination of metal wires and acrylic, and clear retainers, which look similar to Invisalign trays and are made of durable plastic.
Retainers are usually worn full-time initially, and then transitioned to nighttime use as advised by your orthodontist. Regular cleaning and proper storage are important to maintain their shape and effectiveness. Wearing your retainers as instructed significantly reduces the risk of relapse and the need for further orthodontic correction.
Nightbrace
Headgear appliances are composed of a facebow and a strap that goes around the back of the neck. It provides a continuous light force that is necessary to aid in correction of the patient’s skeletal growth and dental development. Because most of the body’s growth occurs at night the greatest degree of wear is during those hours.
Protraction Face Mask
This is an orthopedic appliance to enhance forward growth of the upper jaw when there is a maxillary deficiency present (underdeveloped upper jaw).
The appliance consists of a face mask that rests on the forehead and chin, connected to the upper teeth with elastics that gently pull the upper jaw forward over time.
This appliance is most effective when used at an early age, typically between 6 to 10 years old, while the facial bones are still developing. It not only improves jaw alignment and bite function but can also contribute to a more balanced facial profile. The duration of wear can vary, but it is usually recommended to be worn for 12 to 14 hours a day for optimal results.
When combined with other appliances such as a rapid palatal expander (RPE), the protraction face mask can significantly improve the orthopedic correction of maxillary deficiencies, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like jaw surgery later in life. Regular monitoring and guidance from your orthodontist are key to successful treatment.
Finding the Right Orthodontic Appliance for Your Needs
Unsure which orthodontic appliance is right for you or your child? Schedule a consultation at Central Park West Orthodontics. Our experienced team will recommend the best treatment plan using the most effective fixed or removable appliances for your unique smile goals. Visit us at 327 Central Park West (Suite 1A), New York, NY 10025. Call us today at (212) 280 1700 to book your appointment.
