Types of Appliances
Invisalign®
Smith Orthodontics has been working with Invisalign® clear aligner system since it was first introduced in Canada in 2000. Invisalign® offers a convenient, comfortable and aesthetic approach to straightening your teeth in a format that doesn't interfere with your daily routine. You remove your aligners to eat, brush and floss on your journey to your beautiful smile.
Braces
Smith Orthodontics works with only the most advanced orthodontic systems, including the braces we use. We use a custom self-ligating system that results in light forces, increased efficiency and beautiful full smiles.
Please note, many types of malocclusions are best treated with braces, which are cemented directly to the teeth, as opposed to removable appliances, including clear aligners. The advantages of each treatment option will be reviewed thoroughly at your consultation.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
Crossbow® Appliance
The Crossbow® appliance is a non-removable appliance that helps to correct severe overbites and reduces the need for extractions and / or orthognathic surgery. The Crossbow® Is anchored to the molars on th top and bottom teeth and typically stays in place for the first 6 months of treatment.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
FaceFrame™
The orthopaedic FaceFrame is a combination of palatal expander with a removable FaceFrame that is worn 13 hours a day. This appliance is used to widen and protract small upper jaws to correct underbites. This appliance helps to reduce the need for extractions and / or orthognathic surgery.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
