Orthodontic Appliances
At Frigo Orthodontics, we aim to provide each patient with the best possible experience. We treat each individual with kindness and offer everyone the most efficient and painless treatment possible. One way we can achieve beautiful smiles in record time is by using the highest-quality orthodontic appliances on the market.
Some appliances we use to correct alignment include Damon Ultima braces, clear aligners, and palatal expanders. We offer in-house bonded retainers and custom mouthguards to maintain and protect your teeth. At Frigo Orthodontics, we’ll never ask you to endure archaic appliances like headgear. We want you to be comfortable from the beginning to the end of your treatment.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
There are many other cutting-edge tools that we use for your best natural smile, including:
Damon Ultima Braces
The Damon Ultima System is an advanced type of dental braces used to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth. It consists of brackets, which we bond to the teeth, and archwires connecting the brackets. There are no elastic rubber bands used with this system. The wires apply gentle and continuous pressure to move the teeth to optimal positions. Damon braces are known for their self-ligating technology, which allows for more comfortable, efficient tooth movement while reducing friction.
Retainers
A retainer is an orthodontic appliance used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the final position of the teeth. Once braces or clear aligners have aligned the teeth, a retainer helps prevent them from shifting back to their original state. There are two common types of retainers: removable retainers and bonded retainers.
Bonded Retainers
Bonded retainers, also known as permanent retainers, are thin wires that are custom-fitted and affixed to the back of the teeth. Unlike removable retainers, bonded retainers are fixed in place and provide continuous support to prevent teeth from shifting after orthodontic treatment.
At Frigo Orthodontics, we use a removable retainer on top and a bonded retainer for the bottom arch. Both are crafted and customized in our in-house lab.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as the brand Invisalign, are an alternative to traditional braces. It involves wearing clear, custom-made aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. Gradually, they shift teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign aligners are removable and nearly invisible, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more discreet orthodontic solution.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is a device used to widen the upper jaw. The framework of the expander is attached to the molars on either side of the top arch. The expander is adjusted periodically to apply gentle pressure on the palate, creating additional space to correct crowding or crossbite issues. It is typically used in conjunction with braces.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a device used to protect the gums and teeth during contact sports or other activities that pose a risk of dental injury. It is also used for people who grind their teeth while sleeping. We often recommend that our patients, especially those with braces, use a mouthguard. Our in-house, custom-fit mouthguards help prevent appliance damage and reduce the likelihood of oral injuries.
Herbst Appliance
The Herbst appliance is a fixed orthodontic device that corrects overbites and underbites. It consists of metal rods and tubes that connect the upper and lower jaws, promoting forward growth of the lower jaw while restricting backward movement of the upper jaw.
MARA Appliance
The MARA appliance, or Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance, is another device used to correct overbites. It positions the lower jaw forward, helping to improve the alignment of the upper and lower jaws while correcting the patient’s bite.
Archwire
The archwire is vital to traditional metal braces and the Damon System. It is a thin, flexible wire that runs through the brackets attached to the teeth. The orthodontist adjusts and changes the archwire periodically to apply the necessary pressure to guide the teeth into their optimal positions.
Power Chain
A power chain is an elastic chain used in conjunction with braces. It helps to close gaps between teeth or to align crowded teeth effectively. We apply the power chain to the brackets, linking them together and creating continuous pressure for specific tooth movements.
Elastics
Also known as rubber bands, tiny elastics are used alongside traditional metal braces to correct bite issues and jaw alignment. They connect specific points on the upper and lower brackets, applying additional force to encourage specific tooth and jaw movements. Please note that elastics are not used or needed with the Damon System.
AdvanSync Appliance
The AdvanSync appliance is a relatively newer type of orthodontic device. It is designed to correct certain malocclusions, or misaligned bites. It incorporates sophisticated technology, including nickel-titanium wires, to provide precise tooth movements and shorten treatment time.
Lingual Arch
A lingual arch is a metal bar or wire attached to the molars’ inner surfaces. It helps maintain space and prevent the teeth from shifting, which is particularly useful in cases where premature tooth loss has occurred. Orthodontists may use the lingual arch on the lower or upper jaw.
Splint
In orthodontics, a splint is a device used to stabilize the jaw position or protect the teeth from grinding during sleep (bruxism). A splint may be either removable or fixed.
Please remember that this is an exhaustive list of orthodontic appliances, and you may need very few of the devices above. We customize our treatments based on individual needs, and our specific appliances differ according to each patient’s unique case. Schedule a consultation with us today for a better idea of which devices we would use for your treatment!