Braces Every orthodontist has their own prescription that he or she uses. There are many different types of brackets. Dr. Puszczak and/or Dr. Diduch will let you know which prescription is best for you.
 Damon brackets are self-ligating which means they do not require the conventional elastic or metal ties as they have built in doors that close over the wires. Dr. Puszczak uses a combination of the partially clear D3 brackets on the upper teeth with the smooth stainless steel MX brackets on posterior and lower teeth.
 Unitek Victory series brackets require elastic or stainless steel ties to hold the wire into the bracket. This is fun for the patient as we have a variety of colored or clear elastic ties that are changed at each appointment. Dr. Diduch also uses Clarity brackets which are a clear ceramic bracket for the upper front teeth.
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Invisalign  Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of. Ask your orthodontist if you are a candidate for this system.
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Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) The RPE expands the palate by separating the midpalatal suture. It consists of a mid-palatal screw connected with heavy gauge wire to bands and premolars or primary molars. The patient adjusts the screw with a “key” in accordance with the schedule prescribed by the orthodontist. This procedure can also allow for the creation of more space for the eruption of permanent teeth.
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Quad Helix The Quad Helix is used for palatal expansion or expansion of the upper teeth and is cemented in the mouth. It widens the arch of the mouth and makes room for crowded teeth or corrects a posterior cross-bite. Activation of this appliance involves removal and recementation.
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Nance The Nance fits across the roof of the mouth. Bands are placed on the two back molars on the upper arch, one on each side. A wire connects the insides of the bands with a piece of acrylic in the center of the wire which fits against the roof of the mouth. It is most commonly used to keep the upper molars from drifting forward. It can also be used to slightly expand or rotate the upper molars.
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Headgear The headgear is attached to the braces and is anchored from the back of the head or neck. Its purpose is to stop the upper jaw from growing, retracting the upper teeth and restraining forward growth. Usually 12-14 hours of wear is required daily.
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Herbst This appliance encourages the lower jaw to grow in a forward direction by positioning it forward and holding it there. It also has the ability to push the upper molars backward. We can control the difference. At first, it may feel like a mouthful but within a week the herbst will become quite comfortable. It may irritate the inside of your cheeks in the beginning but soon the tissue will toughen up to the appliance and not be a problem. This appliance may either be placed before full braces or attached to the full braces later in treatment.
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Retention(What happens when your braces come off) |
Hawley Appliance & Bonded Lower 3-3 The Hawley is a removable wire and acrylic appliance that may be used for either arch, although is most commonly used in the upper. This appliance is generally used as a passive retainer after the removal of braces or a fixed appliance. With modifications it can be used to move teeth.
The bonded retainer is designed to hold the lower front teeth in place. These teeth are most prone to movement during chewing and aging. This retainer is not visible to your family and friends and consists of a thin wire bonded to the inside of your lower teeth.
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Shell The shell retainer maintains the teeth in their new postion. It is very esthetic, made from a thin layer of clear plastic that covers your teeth. It needs to be removed for eating and drinking as your teeth will stain if it is left in.
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