Orthodontics
Ectopic canines are generally found in the Buccal Vestibule. Impacted canines may be retrieved with braces, using a surgical approach via a gold chain or straight wire. Tissue covering the tooth is uncovered. A chain or wire is attached to the tooth crown. Tissue is placed back over the tooth leaving the chain or wire coming out of the gum. For the purpose of this illustration a gold chain is used to retrieve the canines. The chain is attached to the tooth crown and the link is attached to a flexible archwire so that the wire is active (bent). Once a month, the wire is reactivated by using the next link up on the chain until the impacted canine erupts enough to attach a regular bracket on the canine. With the regular bracket in place, a more flexible wire is added directly to the bracketed canine. This process will bring the canine into position within the arch by forcing the canine to conform to the straight archwire form. This is a long process taking anywhere from 8-12 months.
Dr. King, an Invisalign dentist in Glen Rock, often recommends an Invisalign procedure rather than traditional braces. Invisalign is the breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you've always wanted without the hassle of braces. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step-by-step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike conventional braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual. An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year.
| Â | INVISALIGN | BRACES |
|---|---|---|
| Effectively treats a wide variety of cases, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite and underbite. | X | X |
| Straightens your teeth | X | X |
| Average cost is about $5,000* | X | X |
| Allows you to eat whatever foods you enjoy | X | Â |
| Lets you remove the device when you want | X | Â |
| Lets you enjoy virtually invisible teeth-straightening | X | Â |
| Allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health | X | Â |
| Consists of smooth, comfortable plastic instead of sharp metal that is more likely to irritate your cheeks and gums | X | Â |
| Frees up your busy schedule, with office visits only every four to six weeks | X | Â |
| Invisalign Teen: Provides up to six free replacement aligners if lost or broken.** | X | Â |
* November 2010 Invisalign Patient Survey
** Invisalign Teen Only
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