The Bonded Bite Plane

The bonded bite plane is used to prevent the lower front teeth from “biting” into the tissue behind the upper front teeth thus causing damage to the tissue and teeth. By “opening” the bite in the front of the mouth, it allows the back teeth to erupt more in order to correct this problem.

The bonded bite plane is also used to correct a severe over-bite (the upper front teeth closing too far over the lower front teeth) in the same way.

The bonded bite plane is made by placing a small amount of bonding material to the backside of the upper teeth to create a triangular plane. After correction, the doctor removes the plane by “polishing” it away with a special high-speed instrument.

Lip Bumper

Lip bumpers are used (with the force of the lip), to push back the molars in order to alleviate crowding. The wire consists of several adjustment loops, which can be adjusted by Dr. Garrett to add more “force” for continual movement of the molars.

The lip bumper is usually removable, but can be “tied-in” upon request. Wearers must be conscientious about keeping wax or EZO Denture cushions on the adjustment loops to prevent the wire from embedding into the lower lip causing soreness.

Herbst Appliance

The Herbst Appliance is used in the treatment of jaw discrepancy (i.e., overjet, when the upper front jaw protrudes over the lower front jaw). In growing patients, it allows lower jaw growth. In older patients, it retrains the action of certain muscles. The average treatment time is approximately 9 months to 1 year, during which time the lower jaw is advanced initially about 3-4mm, and then incrementally, until the desired resting position is achieved.

Rapid Palatal Expander

The R.P.E. is an all-metal expansion appliance able to deliver expansion up to 12 mm in the upper arch in a short period of time.

The appliance is turned, or activated daily with the use of a small wrench and is usually attached to either 2 or 4 teeth.

After the insertion of the appliance, the patient is instructed on the care and cleaning of it. Soft foods are recommended for the first couple of days and should be cut into small pieces, so that food will not get “caught” in the appliance and cause gagging, such as spaghetti dangling down the throat.

Reinforced Palatal Anchor

This appliance is used in much the same way as the Distal Jet; except it is usually used in the lower arch and the springs are on the “sides” of the teeth and not in the “bottom” or tongue side of the mouth.

Bicuspid “bands” are placed and attached to the front acrylic button. Bands are put on the molars as well. Small wires are then added from the molar bands to the bicuspid band with a well-compressed spring in the middle. The wires are left longer than usual so those molars will have a track on which to be pushed. The patient is seen about every 8 to 10 weeks to check the movement. Usually “crimp stops” are placed on the wire to hold the compression of the spring.

E-Arch (Expansion Arch)

The E-arch is used to widen the upper and or lower jaws to make room for permanent teeth. The appliance has two crowns or bands usually positioned on the baby molars or permanent 6-year molars. From the crown on one side is an L-shaped sleeve, and on the opposite side is an L-shaped arm which is attached to the opposing crown.

Between the two “arms” is a spring, which widens the arch by “gently” adding force.

The patient is seen about every 8 to 10 weeks. The arch width is measured and the spring is usually re-activated by adding “crimp stops” to hold the compressed spring in place. This appliance is very effective and requires little attention other than keeping it and the surrounding gums and teeth very clean.

Traditional Metal Braces

Metal brackets can be silver or golden. The are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first, gums and cheek tissue may become irritated, but there are several first aid tricks to deal with the discomfort such as saltwater rinses and applying wax to the metal brackets.

Most traditional metal braces require an elastic O-shaped rubber band, called a ligature, to hold the arch wire onto the bracket. Sometimes metal tie wires (wires that twist around the bracket) are used in place of elastic ligatures.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces work like traditional braces but are invisible. The brackets are placed on the back side of the teeth, so no one will know you are wearing them. Lingual braces straighten teeth within the same amount of time metal braces do and according to each patient’s individual need. Lingual braces are great for teens and adult professionals who would benefit from more confidence as a result of the invisibility of lingual braces while maintaining great dental health.

Invisalign Teen and Metal Braces

Invisalign Teen combines the benefits of the Invisalign system with new features, such as the Blue Dot Wear Indicator that fades when the aligner becomes worn and is ready to be changed; Eruption Tabs to accommodate the growth of second molars; and other features to address clinical needs common to teens.

Like Invisalign for adults, Invisalign Teen is a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that provide a teeth-straightening alternative to more traditional metal braces. Invisalign Teen is designed to help teenagers maintain their self-confidence and accommodate their active lifestyles during orthodontic treatment, giving them a reason to smile!

Invisalign for Adults

Invisalign braces are a type of clear, plastic, removable teeth aligners that are nearly invisible on the teeth. Invisalign appeals to adults and teens who want something different than the traditional metal braces. It is a great option for adults and teens without severe conditions, or who wore traditional braces as children but need more treatment later in life. However, if extractions or other appliances are needed; or if there are severe conditions, Invisalign may not be a good option and an alternative orthodontic treatment would need to be considered. Dr. Garrett, will answer these questions for you individually and make appropriate recommendations.

Adult Orthodontics VA

Dr. Garrett and his staff know the benefits of a radiant smile. In fact, scientific research has found that a beautiful smile improves self-confidence, enhances the quality of relationships and magnifies success at school and work.

Braces for adults provide the esthetic opportunity for a great smile. But there are also several functional, whole-body and dental health concerns with orthodontic treatment for adults. There is a link between straight teeth and whole-body health seen most often through the prevention of periodontal disease (the disease of the bone and surrounding gum tissues around the teeth). Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain and may lead to periodontal disease resulting in bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. These conditions can be avoided by seeking adult orthodontics treatment.

Orthodontic Specialist

Our orthodontic specialist, Dr. Steven Garrett, and our team are motivated to provide the highest level of competency and service to our patients by providing adolescent braces, adult braces and braces for teenagers. We seek to ensure that each patient’s experience is enjoyable and fun. We look forward to meeting your specific orthodontic treatment needs from beginning to end. We are a premier orthodontic group with offices in Winchester, Stephens City and Front Royal, VA