Orthodontic Parts
Archwire
The metal wire that is attached to your braces by ligature ties.
Braces (aka. brackets)
These are the metal or clear sapphire pieces that are bonded onto your teeth. Each bracket has a small space horizontally through the middle to allow the archwire to fit into it.
Ligature ties
Small plastic or wire ties that are used to hold the archwire onto the braces. The plastic ligature ties come in a variety of colors that you can choose from to customize the look of your braces. Ligature ties are changed during each adjustment visit.
Molar Band
These are metal rings that are placed around the molars. Compared to brackets, molar bands are better able to withstand the forces of chewing.
Retainer
Retainers are custom made appliances used to keep or maintain teeth in their current positions. We always provide retainers after braces are removed to ensure that our patient’s teeth remain straight after treatment is complete. The two most popular types are the clear retainers and the Hawley (wire) retainers.
Separator (aka. Seps)
A doughnut shaped rings that are placed between your teeth. These are usually used to create space between the teeth for molar bands.
Common Procedure Descriptions
Adjustments
Adjustments is the process where the archwire is “reactivated” or changed. Adjustments occur approximately every 4 to 8 weeks.
Banding & Bonding
The process of cementing molar bands or bonding of braces onto a patient’s teeth.
Impressions
The process of making a mold of a patient’s teeth. A bite impression is taken in a container filled with a substance that hardens to produce a mold of the teeth.
Records
Records are taken to develop a comprehensive treatment plan as well as to maintain proper documentation of a patient’s treatment progress. Records typically include digital panorex and cephalometric x-rays, photos, and taking impression models of the patient’s teeth.
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Office Hours |
Sunday |
9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
Monday |
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm |
Tuesday |
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm |
Wednesday |
Office Closed |
Thursday |
10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Friday |
10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Saturday |
9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
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Get instantly approved for 18 to 24 months of interest free financing with NO DOWN PAYMENT prior to your consultation. You can apply with Chase Health Advance or CareCredit. There is no cost to you unless you decide to start treatment. Simply click on either of the banners below to start the quick application process.
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