Orthodontics is a subdivision in dentistry which emphasizes on teeth alignment. Check out the type of dental appliances to diagnose, prevent and treat these irregularities. For more information visit http://safariandmd.com/services/orthodontic-services/

1. Alternative Treatments in
Orthodontics
http://safariandmd.com
Orthodontic
Appliances

2. Content
 Introduction
 What does an Orthodontist do?
 Options in Orthodontics
 Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
 Braces
 Fixed Space Maintainers
 Special Fixed Appliances
 Removable Orthodontic Appliances
 Headgear
 Aligners
 Lip and Cheek Bumpers
 Palatal Expander

3. Introduction
• Orthodontics is a Greek word.
• Orthos Straight or Perfect dontos teeth
• It is a subdivision in dentistry which emphasizes on teeth alignment.

4. What does an Orthodontist do?
• Reducing gaps between teeth
• Aligning teeth and lips at proper position
• Aligning teeth tips
• Improving oral functioning i.e. speech and eat functions
• Leveling of crooked teeth
• Correcting an improper bite
• Improving the health of teeth and gums

5. Options in Orthodontics
There are types of dental appliances to diagnose, prevent and treat these
irregularities.
Fixed
Orthodontic
Appliances
Removable
Orthodontic
Appliances

6. Braces
• Consists of brackets, elastic band
and an arch wire.
• As the arch wire tightens, the
tension is applied to the teeth
which move them into proper
position over time
• Take 1-2 years to get adjusted.
• Orthodontist adjusts the wire
every 4-6 weeks to bring the
desired result.
Fixed orthodontic appliances

7. Fixed Space Maintainers:
• A device placed to preserve space created by premature loss of teeth.
Special Fixed Appliances:
• Recommended by dental experts.
• Helps in controlling tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
• But are uncomfortable and are not suggested until seems an actual
necessity for patient.
Fixed orthodontic appliances

8. Removable Orthodontic Appliances
Appliances that are not fixed and can be removed by the patient according to his
convenience, are removable appliances. These are used to treat minor problems.
Headgear
• Consist of thick wires
extending outside mouth with
straps behind neck or over
chin.
• Keeps the back teeth in
position and pulling front ones
back.
• It is worn for 12 hours a day
for a very limited time.

9. Aligners
• Consists of an ordered clear and
removable tray to fit over the
teeth to align them.
• Almost unnoticeable and can be
taken out while brushing, flossing
or eating.
• Required to wear different trays
for different period of time to get
teeth aligned.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances

10. Lip & Cheek Bumpers
• Consists of a wire on the lower jaw extending
from one molar to another
• Retains lips and cheeks from touching teeth.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances
Palatal Expander
• Helps in expanding the palatal area
• A plastic plate is placed in the palate and
these plates have screws which put pressure
on the joints in bones, forcing them and thus
expanding the area.
Source: ghorthodontics.com

11. Do you need orthodontic treatment?
Contact Irresistible Smiles
• Visit our website at http://safariandmd.com/
• Call us at (858) 755-8993.
• Email us at safariandmd@gmail.com

12. Thank
You