At Dillehay Orthodontics, every treatment plan is customized according to each patient. During the initial evaluation, Dr. Dillehay will complete an oral exam and discuss with the patient whether they will require a special appliance to achieve the optimal results. Not every patient will need a separate appliance, though. Every recommendation we make is based on a patient’s individual situation. These appliance include:
Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is an almost invisible alternative to braces. A series of very thin, clear mouthguard-like aligners are used in sequence at two-weekly intervals to incrementally move teeth to the desired position. The aligners are worn full-time, day and night, except when eating and are suitable for treatment of a wide variety of orthodontic problems. Using Invisalign 3D computer imaging technology, we can customise your treatment online, demonstrate specific tooth movements expected during treatment and accurately predict your treatment result. At Dillehay Orthodontics we have extensive experience using Invisalign, and maintain active involvement in ongoing advancement of the technique. We can extend the application of Invisalign practice to include more complicated treatments by combining Invisalign with other orthodontic techniques such as sectional (partial) braces and temporary implant anchorage (TADs).
Metal Braces
Metal braces consist of small metal brackets that are directly bonded to the teeth, in conjunction with an archwire that connects all the brackets. Brackets can be either twin brackets that require coloured, silver or clear elastic modules for archwire attachment, or self-ligating brackets. Although brackets of either style might look the same, each bracket is individually designed for a particular tooth with specific design features for that tooth. The archwires we use at Dillehay Orthodontics are made of alloys using the latest technology that make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. The brackets we use are the latest design and include the option of titanium brackets for patients with metal sensitivities.
Self-Ligating Braces
The technology of braces has been evolving, particularly over the past decade and includes the state of the art self-ligating orthodontic appliance. This technique has the advantages of efficient, friction free orthodontic tooth movement, extended appointment intervals that reduce the frequency of orthodontic adjustments, and development of the dental arches compatible with facial anatomy to produce beautiful, broad smiles.
Clear Braces
Clear or tooth coloured braces can be used for the upper teeth that are usually more obvious when talking and smiling. At Dillehay Orthodontics our patients have the option of clear braces of either the Twin Bracket or Self-ligating design, and also the option of clear braces on lower front teeth.
Lingual Braces
For patients who need braces to resolve their orthodontic problem but want the braces to be completely invisible. At Dillehay Orthodontics we can offer the option of lingual braces that are fitted to the inside or lingual surface of the teeth. We use lingual braces that are custom made for accurate fit and placement onto every tooth and are a self-ligating style of braces for efficient tooth movement to ensure optimum treatment results in minimum treatment time.
Orthopedic Appliances
We design treatment plans to ensure that facial aesthetics, harmony, and balance are maintained or enhanced, and treat that as just an important priority as that of straight teeth and a beautiful smile. We carefully assess the entire face and profile in our treatment planning process and projected treatment outcome. The airway and even allergies and sleep patterns are important treatment planning considerations that can require management. These treatment goals can in most cases be achieved by orthodontic or tooth movement. In some cases however, jaw growth or co-ordination is modified with the use of orthopedic appliances that are used in conjunction with braces. The orthopedic appliances we use at Dillehay Orthodontics are custom designed and made for comfort, and so that smiling, speaking, and chewing function normally during treatment. By taking into consideration the entire face and airway, not just the mouth, we can include orthopedic appliances when indicated to correct jaw and bite discrepancies rather than adapt the position of the teeth to a pre-treatment discrepancy.
Removable Appliances
Removable appliances, sometimes referred to as plates, usually consist of a plastic or acrylic framework supporting a variety of wires that can be active to move teeth, or passive to hold the appliance in place. The acrylic plate can also support auxiliaries such as expansion screws to widen the dental arch or springs to move specific teeth. Removable appliances cannot substitute for braces but can be used for simple tooth movements, sometimes as a preliminary measure prior to more comprehensive treatment when all permanent teeth have erupted. Plates can also serve as retainers which are worn at night on completion of comprehensive orthodontic treatment to maintain the treatment result.
Space Maintainers
Space Maintainers are used to preserve or maintain space in the dental arch for later eruption of permanent teeth. The most common indication for a space maintainer is following the premature loss of a baby tooth— usually due to decay or partial impaction of a permanent molar. Space maintainers are passive appliances, fixed to one or two stable teeth, and generally are removed when the intended permanent tooth or teeth erupt into the arch.
Tongue Cribs
For some young patients, the cause of misalignment comes from a bad habit like pressing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing. A tongue crib prevents this by keeping the tongue away from teeth. Typically, patients only have to wear a tongue crib for a few months and then treatment with braces can begin.
Thumb Cribs
As with a tongue crib, a thumb crib is designed to prevent young patients from behavior that can affect the alignment of teeth. In this case, the target is thumb sucking. After treatment with a thumb crib is complete, treatment with braces can begin.
Forsus Appliance
For more severe cases, a Forsus Appliance can provide the needed pressure and guidance for the teeth while still allowing for a full range of motion for the mouth. It works with existing braces and wires and does not even require an external apparatus like a facemask. It sits in the back of your mouth where it is sure to go unnoticed.
If you are in the Wichita area, stop by one of our three offices or call today to schedule a consultation. We cannot wait to provide you with the warm, personalized care that will leave you feeling satisfied with your pearly whites!