Orthodontic Appliances Columbus
Giving Smiles the Extra Help They Need
Braces are not the only appliances used to improve tooth alignment. Oftentimes, other issues are occurring inside the mouth that need to be addressed if straighter teeth and healthier smiles are to be the result. Our orthodontists, Dr. Wigal and Dr. Kluemper, are pleased to provide orthodontic appliances in Columbus, such as expanders and retainers, to ensure everything continues to move along smoothly before, during, and after treatment is complete. Call us if you have questions about whether one of these additional appliances is right for you.
Hyrax Expanders
Overcrowding can become a serious problem if it is not addressed. Not only will teeth be unable to move into their desired positions, but a misaligned bite can also form, making it harder to close your mouth, breathe, or even enjoy better oral health.
With a Hyrax Expander, though, this device can widen your upper palate so that ample space is provided when realigning your teeth and jaw. It is made of metal and has a bar that extends across the palate and attaches to your back teeth. Using a “key” to widen the expander, you will notice that your jaw becomes wider over time, allowing for more successful orthodontics.
Retainers
Once orthodontic treatment is complete (braces), you will enter the retention phase, which is just as important. It takes time for your pearly whites to integrate, so a customized retainer is required to help them stay in place. Whether you wore traditional braces or Invisalign® Clear Aligners, we can craft a small, plastic appliance that you will wear full-time in the days, weeks, and months following the completion of your braces treatment.
Once our team believes you are ready, we will suggest that you only wear it at night when preparing to go to bed.
This step of treatment is essential if you want your new smile to remain in its new location. Dr. Wigal or Dr. Kluemper will go over the retention timeframe so that you are familiar with what you can
