

The plates are usually worn for 9 months and adjusted at regular intervals (approximately every 6 weeks). These plates are usually best done prior to braces before the age of 16, as the changes they cause are best incorporated into a growing face. These are designed to correctly position the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw and improve the overall facial appearance. If this is the case, all surgical treatment is provided by our specialist Oral Surgeon. As upper arch expansion is much more difficult for adults, they may require surgical assistance to achieve the same result. Expansion of the upper jaw is best achieved before the age 16 as true Orthopaedic expansion is gained during growth phases. Decompensation of the lower arch usually occurs during this period also.

After this time it is kept in place for a further 6-9 months to retain the correction. ExpandersĪre a means to permanently widen constricted upper arches and this procedure has the benefits of increasing the space available to align crowded teeth and may also increase nasal airflow which improves some breathing problems.Ī “Rapid Maxillary Expander” is placed then activated over a 2-3 week period. Phase one therapies are used in Orthopaedics or growth modification protocols. This phase of treatment usually involves expanders or plates to widen or correctly align the jaws before the individual positioning of the teeth are finalised with braces.

#BRACES WIRE SHIFTED TO ONE SIDE FULL#
Refers to treatment undertaken prior to full fixed braces are placed. Through the development of innovations within the field of Orthodontics, many adults are now opting to undergo Orthodontic therapy to correct alignment concerns that may stem back to their childhood or have resulted from an accident or tooth loss. As a result, your teeth and gums are easier to clean and keep healthy reducing the chance of developing gum disease.Īlthough your teeth are secured into your jawbone, your body’s ability to regenerate bone and tissue enables them to be moved gradually into their ideal position, which is why people of all ages are able to benefit from Orthodontics. Orthodontics has changed substantially from the heavy, cumbersome and obvious metal braces many of us remember from years ago. Orthodontics is focused on the diagnosis, prevention and correcting misalignment of the teeth and jaws. And training is everything when achieving outcomes that you require. Like many other areas of health care, Orthodontics is a specialist field, which requires several years’ postgraduate training.
