Braces for Children
Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik like to see children by age seven or eight to advise if orthodontic treatment may be indicated. If orthodontic treatment is indicated, the decision can be made whether to begin orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition period, or to wait until more permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik refer to orthodontic treatment in the mixed dentition stage as “Phase I”. Most of the dental plans list the equivalent of Phase I orthodontics as “Limited Orthodontic Treatment of the Mixed Dentition, or Limited Orthodontic Treatment of the Adolescent dentition”. If orthodontic treatment is not indicated in the mixed dentition stage, the patient is put into the recall program and evaluated on a periodic basis.
The first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted by age seven or eight, and cross bites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When limited orthodontic treatment is begun, the orthodontic treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw and create space for incoming permanent teeth. Early orthodontic treatment can also influence the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, possibly avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the possibility of impacted permanent teeth, and correct thumb-sucking.
Types of Braces
Stainless Steel Braces
High Tech Self-Ligating Braces
Sophisticated, high tech self-ligating braces are more comfortable when compared to standard orthodontic braces, and patients have the option of adding colored elastics for a more unique and colorful smile.
There are two types of self ligating brackets, Interactive, and passive. In many orthodontic patients, self ligating systems can accomplish the orthodontic treatment result with fewer appointments when compared to a non-self ligating system. The self ligating bracket systems are designed to move the teeth with less friction between the arch wire and the bracket. The Empower self-ligating bracket system by American Orthodontics is the system used by Dr. Larry Rose and Dr. Mohni Malik.
How do Self-Ligating Braces Work?
Self-ligating braces use a specialized clip made as part of the orthodontic bracket to help the arch wire guide teeth into place. The self-ligating bracket system that Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik use, applies less force to the teeth than a non-self ligating bracket. In some instances this means greater patient comfort, and possibly faster tooth movement!
There are two types of self-ligating brackets
- Passive - Passive self ligating brackets have a clip system similar to a door that keeps the arch wire in the bracket; however the clip does not contact the arch wire. Since there is no contact between the door clip and the arch wire, the arch wire does not have complete control over tooth movement.
- Interactive - Interactive self ligating brackets use a door mechanism that contacts the arch wire and actively holds it in position. The friction between the bracket and arch wire is less than that of a bracket system that uses elastic ties to secure the arch wire to the bracket. Dr. Rose and Dr. Malik recommend the Interactive self-ligating bracket system.
