palatal expander

Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic Appliances in Casa Grande & Marana, AZ

At Walton Orthodontics, we’re always looking for ways to give our patients more confidence and more reasons to smile! We’re very pleased to offer many different orthodontic options, treatments, and appliances to help you reach optimal dental health and comfort.  Take a look below for more information about what we offer – or schedule a consult with our orthodontist today in Casa Grande or Marana.

Clarity SL Self-Litigating Braces

clarity bracesClarity SL self-ligating braces are a choice you can feel good about. They use the latest technology so that they work fast and look good. Here is what you can expect with this option:

  • Durable, translucent ceramic brackets
  • Self-ligation means fewer appointments and office visits
  • Beautiful results in potentially less time than with traditional metal braces
  • Smooth, molded, comfortable edges for less pain and irritation
  • Self-Ligating – no ligatures to attract plaque, trap food, or cause staining to the teeth
  • Helps you maintain good oral hygiene with its open design
  • Each bracket is designed to fit your tooth and help move your teeth into place quickly.

Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery. Here are some benefits your child or teen can expect from Forsus:

  • Simple– Your Forsus appliance is installed in one appointment and doesn’t require any additional lab work, so you won’t have to wait to begin your treatment. There are no daily adjustments to make because the appliance provides a continuous, light force to move your jaw and teeth into their correct positions.
  • Comfortable – The Forsus appliance has a low profile and does not bow into the cheek like other Class II correction appliances. Plus, it allows for a full range of motion so your speech and eating habits won’t be affected. The best part about the Forsus appliance is that there is no external apparatus (headgear) required. It sits in the back of your mouth, so no one will even notice it’s there.
  • Convenient – The open coil spring is designed to be easy to brush clean and there are no gaps to trap food. You’ll be able to continue your oral hygiene habits as usual without having to worry about cleaning around a bulky appliance. As with any orthodontic appliance, hard and sticky food should be avoided and brushing is always recommended after every meal.
  • Effective – The constant force given by the Forsus appliance means that it works without you having to do anything. Even while you sleep, Forsus is helping to move your jaw and teeth into alignment. The appliance works with your existing braces and wires, so there is no need to interrupt your planned treatment.

Palatal Expanders

The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. These instructions will teach you when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression.

Other Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Elastics

ortho elasticsWearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed.

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.

Herbst® Appliance

herbst applianceThe Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.

Positioners

Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for four to eight weeks.

Retainers

hawley retainerRetainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.

Separators or Spacers

Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.

Twin Block Appliance

The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full-time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene. It is also more comfortable than other jaw-correcting appliances, as it is made out of smooth acrylic and utilizes fewer wires.

The result of using a twin block appliance is a broad, beautiful smile, proper jaw function, improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consult Today

There are many excellent options for correcting nearly every dental or orthodontic issue. Our team at Walton Orthodontics would love to help you find which option fits your comfort level, your budget, and your specific needs. Schedule a consult at one of our convenient locations in either Casa Grande or Marana.

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