Additional Orthodontic Treatment With Braces

You already know braces are star players of teeth straightening. But did you know they often team up with other treatments for a full-on smile extravaganza? Dr. Joel and   Dr. Charles from Brodsky Orthodontics in Lakewood have something exciting to share. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the whole lineup of orthodontic treatments that often play backup to braces. 

The Basics of Braces

Braces are like the quarterbacks of the orthodontic world. They call the plays, make the big moves, and get most of the attention. And why not? They’re fantastic at realigning teeth and fixing bites. But here’s a little secret: sometimes, they need a helping hand from other team players to win the game.

Imagine your child’s mouth as a football field. Braces are the star players, but they can’t win the game alone. They often combine orthodontic treatments to turn your child’s smile into a touchdown. These additional treatments can tackle issues that braces alone might not fix, like making extra room for crowded teeth or holding newly straightened teeth in place.

Making Space With Spacers

You know that friend who’s always there to lend a hand but never steals the spotlight? That’s what spacers are to braces. These tiny rubber rings or metal loops slide between your child’s molars a week or so before braces go on. Why? To make room for the metal bands that’ll soon hug those back teeth.

Think of spacers as the backstage crew in a school play. They set the stage so the stars—your child’s braces—can shine. Spacers help the braces fit better and work more efficiently by creating a little extra space. And the best part? They’re temporary. Once the bands are in place, the spacers take a bow and exit stage left. 

Expanding Your Bite’s Horizons

Have you ever tried to park a big car in a tiny garage? It’s a tight squeeze! That’s where expanders come in. These nifty gadgets gently widen the upper jaw over time, allowing all those teeth to fit comfortably.

Expanders sit on the roof of the mouth and gradually push the two halves of the upper jaw apart. Don’t worry. It’s a slow and gentle process. It’s like turning a tiny key each day to unlock a treasure chest—only this chest is filled with a future of fabulous smiles. Once there’s enough room, the braces can do their job even better.

Holding The Line With Retainers

Imagine your child’s newly straightened teeth as a sandcastle. You wouldn’t want a wave to wash it away after all that hard work. Enter retainers—the lifeguards of the orthodontic beach. Once the braces come off, retainers ensure those pearly whites stay put.

Retainers are like the night security at a museum, keeping all the art (or, in this case, teeth) in its rightful place. They’re usually clear plastic trays or wire gadgets that fit snugly over the teeth. Your child will wear them mostly at night. And just like that, the teeth stay in their new, perfect spots. 

Bite Turbos and Headgear: Extra Gear for Tricky Cases

Some smiles need a little extra TLC. That’s where bite turbos and headgear come in. Bite turbos help correct overbites, while headgear tackles more complex jaw issues.

These gadgets might sound like science fiction, but they’re essential tools for orthodontists. They work wonders in tricky cases, making sure every tooth and jaw finds its happy place. And don’t worry, they’re not forever. A short stint with these unique tools can set the stage for a lifetime of smiles.

The Power Combo: Braces + Invisalign

Why settle for one superhero when you can have a dynamic duo? For some kids, a tag team of braces and Invisalign is the best path to a dazzling smile. 

Braces tackle the heavy lifting, moving teeth into their primary positions. Then, Invisalign steps in for the fine-tuning, perfecting the alignment with clear, removable trays. It’s a one-two punch that delivers knockout results. Plus, Invisalign trays are like ninjas—barely noticeable and easy to live with. 

What to Expect

So, how does all this fit together? Great question! Picture it like building a LEGO castle. First, you lay the foundation with spacers or expanders. Then, you build the walls and towers with braces. Finally, you secure everything in place with retainers. And for those intricate details? That’s where special gear like bite turbos or the Invisalign tag team comes in.

Your child’s orthodontic journey is a step-by-step process. At each appointment, you’ll get updates and maybe even a sneak peek at the final masterpiece—your child’s future smile. And hey, there might be some adjustments along the way. That’s totally normal! It’s all part of the plan to make sure that smile is nothing short of amazing.

Remember, every kiddo is different, so their treatment plan will be too. But one thing’s for sure: at the end of the day, it’s all about making your child’s smile the best it can be. 

Start Treatment at Brodsky Orthodontics

Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, and the rest of our team want you to have the inside scoop. At Brodsky Orthodontics in Lakewood, we’re all about crafting the perfect treatment plan for your child’s unique smile. And as you’ve learned today, that often means more than braces. Ready to find out what your child’s smile needs to shine truly? Schedule a free consultation with us, and let’s get that smile on the road to stardom!