We use orthodontic appliances to help correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws. These appliances come in many different forms. Our team designs each to address specific dental issues. Whether you need braces, aligners, or another treatment, orthodontic appliances can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Moreover, our orthodontic services offer personalized solutions to meet your unique needs. We want our Long Beach patients to have the most information to help them feel confident in their smiles.
Orthodontic Appliances in Long Beach, CA
At Garlington Orthodontics, we offer several types of orthodontic appliances. Each has its purpose and function in correcting your smile.
Braces
Braces are the most well-known orthodontic appliance. They consist of metal or ceramic brackets glued to teeth and connected by wires and elastic bands. The brackets and wires gradually move teeth into the desired position. Braces effectively treat many dental problems, from crooked teeth to severe bite issues.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are made of clear plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. You receive a series of aligners that make small adjustments to your teeth over time. Clear aligners are removable and less noticeable than braces, a big plus for many people.
Retainers
We give patients retainers after braces or aligners. These devices help keep your teeth in their new positions. There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. We bond fixed retainers to the back of your teeth. However, you can take out removable retainers when eating or brushing your teeth. It is critical to wear your retainer, as Dr. Garlington suggests. Otherwise, you risk losing your results as your teeth return to their original positions.
Expanders
Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw. This is often necessary when your upper jaw is too narrow to fit all the teeth properly. We attach the expander to your upper teeth and gradually widen the jaw by turning a small screw. This process creates more space for crowded teeth and can help correct a crossbite.
Space Maintainers
Sometimes, we use space maintainers when a child loses a baby tooth early. These devices keep the space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space, causing alignment problems.
Headgear
Some patients need headgear to correct severe bite problems. It consists of a metal frame that fits around the head or neck and attaches to braces or bands on the teeth. Headgear applies extra pressure to guide the jaw’s growth and move the teeth into the correct position. You would typically wear it for several hours each day or night.
Benefits of Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances include braces and clear aligners, as well as more advanced appliances for various orthodontic problems. They help ensure your smile is healthy and functioning properly.
Straighter teeth are the obvious benefit of orthodontic appliances. Crooked teeth are harder to clean. They come together at odd angles and are often cramped and crowded. There are areas that you and your dentist are unable to clean properly, which increases your chances of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Straighter teeth lower your risk of oral health problems.
Another important benefit is bite correction. Some people have bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. These problems can affect how you chew, speak, and even breathe. Orthodontic appliances work to correct these issues by guiding the teeth and jaws into proper alignment. A corrected bite helps your teeth fit together properly, making everyday tasks like eating more comfortable and efficient.
Orthodontic treatment also protects your teeth from wear and damage. When your bite is off, some teeth may take on too much pressure when you chew. Over time, this can lead to chipping, grinding, or even tooth loss. By balancing your bite, orthodontic appliances spread out that pressure and keep your teeth from wearing down too quickly.
In addition to providing health benefits, orthodontic appliances can also enhance your appearance. A straight, well-aligned smile is often seen as a sign of good health and confidence. Many people feel more comfortable smiling, speaking, or taking photos after orthodontic treatment. This boost in self-esteem can affect every part of your life, from school or work to social situations.
Orthodontic appliances also support proper jaw development, especially in children and teens. Early treatment can guide jaw growth and make room for permanent teeth to come in correctly. This may reduce the need for more invasive treatment later on. For example, palatal expanders can widen a narrow upper jaw, making space for teeth and improving breathing in some cases.
Some orthodontic appliances, like retainers, help keep teeth in place after treatment. Without them, teeth can shift back to their original positions over time. Wearing a retainer protects the time and money you invested in your smile. Other appliances, like space maintainers, are helpful for children who lose baby teeth too early. They hold the space open until the adult tooth is ready to come in.