The following is a brief summary of the different types of orthodontic appliances that may be used during treatment. Further information is available on request.

Fixed Orthodontic Appliances (or Braces)
This is the most common type of orthodontic appliance in use today. Many of our patients describe them as “train tracks”. Small brackets are temporarily glued to the teeth and then an archwire is placed into the brackets to move the teeth. This type of appliance is capable of producing tooth movements with full three-dimensional control, so complex tooth movement and a great result can be achieved. Stainless steel and tooth coloured braces are available with coloured plastic O-rings to attach the archwire. With these coloured O-rings you can "customize" your Braces.
More information on Braces can be found in the Types of Braces section.

Functional Appliance
Functional appliances are generally removable and made of acrylic (plastic) and wire. They are used to correct discrepancies in the front-to-back position of the jaws and teeth e.g. prominent teeth. Functional appliances are often used at an early age. The aim of this treatment is to reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and to harness growth. Quite often further treatment is required when the rest of the adult teeth have erupted. When compliance is a problem, fixed functional appliances can be used.

Removable Appliance
Most removable appliances are used only when very simple tipping/tilting tooth movement is all that is necessary. It is very rare that such simple movements will place the teeth in the correct position and treatment at a later date with braces is usually necessary.

Headgear
Headgear is used when it is very important to prevent the upper back teeth moving forward or when there is a need to gain space. It is an external strap that sits on the neck or top of the head (or both) and connects with a wire in the mouth. It is usually worn in the evenings and at night, NOT WHEN AWAY FROM HOME. Headgear is generally used as a supplement to treatment with Braces. Modern techniques have dramatically reduced the need for headgear.

Facemask Headgear
Facemask Headgear is removable. It is used in young children when the upper jaw is sitting back relative to the lower jaw. A fixed appliance is glued to some of the teeth in the upper jaw. The facemask is fitted to the forehead and chin and elastics attached from the facemask to the appliance in the mouth. Once again it us usually worn in the evenings and at night, NOT WHEN AWAY FROM HOME.