Traditional braces are square in shape and use nylon elastic rings to hold the orthodontic wire in place.

With computer assisted braces, such as Insignia, the teeth are first aligned perfectly by a technician working through a computer simulation. After this, the brackets and wires are custom designed for each individual patient. A set of plastic positioners allows the brackets to be cemented on the teeth with a high degree of precision.

These type of braces have a type of door on the front of them and don’t need the elastomeric O-rings to hold the wire in place. With passive bracket design, such as Damon braces (pictured) there is a bonus of reduced friction from the wire. When the friction is reduced the teeth move faster and you can take advantage of the lips and cheek pressure moving teeth into proper position.

With Invisalign the dental moulds taken by the dentist are scanned into a computer. The computer makes a set of plastic retainers, called aligners, that gradually move the teeth into the desired position. It is important to wear the aligners 22 hours per day or they will not work. They should only be taken out while eating. It takes self-discipline to comply with the Invisalign regimen. Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal

With lingual braces the brackets are cemented to the backside of the teeth. The wires can be shaped by a computer to move the teeth into the desired position.

This is a small screw that is temporarily placed in the bone below the teeth. It can be used for all kinds of things. For example, two TADs can be placed in the bone above the upper front teeth and springs attached to the orthodontic wire to reduce a gummy smile.

Sometimes it is necessary to surgically move the jaws, to obtain a better result with braces. Usually this means a brief hospital visit, followed by 6 weeks of having your teeth wired together and drinking meals processed in a blender.

Orthodontic retention is particularly important during the first two months after you have your braces removed. The teeth are still mobile and can quickly relapse during this time. There are several types of retainers: Vacuum-formed retainers: These are the easiest and cheapest retainers to make. They should be worn full time, except while eating for the first 2 months. Then the amount of time worn can be gradually reduced until they are worn just at night. Lingual wire retainers: These

This can occur when braces are left for a long period of time and plaque from poor oral hygiene is left on the teeth. The gums can also swell from poor oral hygiene delaying your orthodontic treatment. When sugar is consumed, the plaque left on the teeth consume it and the metabolic waste by-products are plaque acids and toxins. These acids can decalcify the teeth as shown in the image.

Sometimes it is necessary to take out teeth during orthodontic treatment to make space for crowding. The most common teeth that need to be removed are the upper and lower first bicuspids. Sometimes the second bicuspids are removed instead. Sometimes a lower central incisor is removed to alleviate lower crowding. The wisdom teeth may have to be removed also, because sometimes they can push teeth together if there is not enough room for them. The treatment takes longer when dental