Damon Self-Ligating Brackets
Self-ligation, an innovative clinical technology, makes orthodontic treatment more efficient and more comfortable than ever before. The traditional treatment involving tying archwire in with elastic ties causes friction. This involves heavier forces to move the teeth, resulting in a longer treatment time. Self-ligation appliances have a built-in "sliding door" that holds the wire in place while allowing it to slide freely back and forth. This system allows the use of high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This results in less pressure to the teeth, thus more comfortable treatment. Treatment time can be dramatically reduced. This means fewer adjustments, which result in less frequent office visits to achieve treatment goals. For information visit www.damonbraces.com.

Cosmetic Braces
Ceramic braces are a translucent tooth colored material. They are more popular with adult patients. They are difficult to see on the teeth unless you are very close to the patient. These brackets are more fragile and require elastic ties, which tend to discolor between orthodontic visits. In most instances treatment time is longer than with the Damon brackets, because of the additional friction caused by the elastics. www.iceclearbraces.com

Headgear
Today's orthodontic appliances are smaller and more comfortable than ever. The new appliances have virtually eliminated the need for patients to wear "old-fashioned" headgear. According to your specific treatment plan, we also offer custom made appliances with excellent results.


Parts of the Braces
An orthodontic appliance is a very precise, carefully engineered tooth-moving machine made of tiny parts. The orthodontist will guide the teeth into a correct position by adjusting the braces. To help understand what is happening during treatment, you should learn about the parts of the braces. If you have a problem with your braces, refer to this diagram so you can accurately describe the problem when you call our office.

1. BANDS
Bands are a ring of metal, which fit around the back teeth (molars and sometimes premolars). Each tooth has its own shape and size. The bands are selected from a range of sizes. The aim is to select the tightest fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using a dental cement (like glue) containing fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

2. BRACKETS
The part that holds the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

3. BONDED
Small brackets are usually bonded or glued on the front teeth and sometimes the back teeth. During this procedure the lips are held out of the way with plastic retractors similar to those used when the teeth were photographed. During this procedure the teeth must be kept dry.

4. ARCHWIRES
The main wires or arch wires are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of movement. Note that the archwire is held in place by a series of small rubber rings that ties the archwire into the bracket. ANY ADDITIONAL BENDS CAUSED BY LACK OF CARE IN EATING MAY ALLOW THE WRONG TEETH TO MOVE.

5. ALASTIKS
A tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket. -Or- LIGATURE WIRE A tiny wire that ties the archwire into the bracket.

6. HOOKS
Small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

7. COIL SPRING
This spring fits between brackets and over the archwire.