Orthodontics
At O·M·I Orthodontics, we offer four treatment options in our Fort Wayne, Auburn, and Fishers, Indiana offices. Align your or your child’s smile with our help today! Dr. Johnson welcomes you for an orthodontic consultation to determine which procedure is correct for you. Keep reading to learn more about the different orthodontics procedures offered at O·M·I Orthodontics.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the type of braces most people think of when they start thinking about straightening their teeth. These braces include metal brackets attached to archwires. However, the archwires progressively pull your teeth tight over time. Plus, many children and teens love these braces because they can add colored rubber bands to the brackets. Some like to choose their favorite team colors, and others prefer their favorite colors. Therefore, traditional metal braces are a reliable way to straighten even the most complex cases. Moreover, for patients looking for the benefits of traditional braces but who would like a more subtle appearance, ceramic braces may be for you.
Clear Aligners
Some patients opt for clear aligners which straighten their teeth without metal or ceramic brackets and arch-wires. During the clear aligner treatment process, the patient will receive a set of clear aligners. However, every one to two weeks, they will change clear aligners. Over time, the aligners will get progressively straighter until you achieve your dream smile. Plus, many patients prefer clear aligners because they are a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth.
Lingual Braces
Next, lingual braces are not visible until you look inside someone’s mouth. Lingual braces are on the inside of the set of teeth. However, they are like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires. A few benefits of lingual braces are that they can correct more complex misalignments similar to conventional braces. Furthermore, lingual braces also do not leave discoloration on the front of teeth after the alignment process. Plus, many patients prefer these braces because they have similar advantages to traditional braces, but they are nearly invisible.
What are Other Orthodontic Appliances?
Dr. Johnson has a few other orthodontic appliances in Fort Wayne, Fishers, and Auburn to align teeth. First, one tool he uses is called separators or spacers. These are plastic rubber bands placed between your teeth to push them apart so that bands can be placed at your next appointment. Next, another appliance is the Herbst, which reduces overbites by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. Plus, the Herbst appliance is typically used with younger, growing children and stays in place for 12-15 months. However, if your palate is too narrow, Dr. Johnson may recommend a palatal expander. Furthermore, an expander is a tool used to widen your palate to allow more teeth to grow in. Every so often, your orthodontist will instruct you to adjust the expander to help widen the palate. Moreover, these are a few of Dr. Johnson’s tools to help align you or your child’s smile.
What Care is Needed After Orthodontic Treatment?
Maintaining a straight smile is a lifelong process. However, after you or your child’s orthodontic treatment, Dr. Johnson will recommend that you or your child wear a retainer at night; wearing a retainer at night will ensure that your smile stays straight. Typically patients will wear a clear retainer on top and have a bonded (sometimes called fixed) retainer on the bottom teeth. However, at O·M·I Orthodontics, we recommend that you replace your clear retainer every two years.
O·M·I Orthodontics in Fort Wayne, Auburn & Fishers Indiana
Orthodontics is a beautiful way to straighten your beautiful smile. Plus, at O·M·I Orthodontics, we are here to support you the whole way. Furthermore, we have many different orthodontic options to choose from, such as traditional metal braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces. For more information about orthodontics from O·M·I Orthodontics or to make an appointment, call our office today