To help you understand what we are talking to you about during your orthodontic treatment, we’ve put together a quick list of braces lingo we use and what it means.
Braces is the term for the device that we will use to start your orthodontic treatment, and are generally comprised of brackets, bands and wires.
These are the names of each part of a typical set of braces:
Invisalign – Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. Because these invisible aligners are removable, you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Furthermore, brushing and flossing are no problem. The aligners are comfortable to wear, because they have no metal parts to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.
Damon Braces System
Norwest Orthodonics exclusively use the Damon braces System in the Hills District – a gentle, less painful and more comfortable system that allows for shorter treatment times, and requires fewer – if any – extractions. Damon Braces are also easy to clean and maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, making them an ideal option for adult braces.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon Clear Braces are part of the innovative Damon System that Norwest Orthodontics provides. This method combines tieless braces with high-tech archwires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and more comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results. If you want straighter teeth in a short time, you need Damon Clear Braces.
Damon Q
Damon Q brace systems have a tiny built-in slide that gently holds the wire, eliminating the need for these inefficient o-shaped rubber rings. Since the bungee-like rubber o-rings are not used, Damon Q greatly reduces friction and binding. Clinically, this results in faster and more comfortable tooth movement.
Insignia
Insignia is a computerised system that combines digital treatment planning with specially made brackets and wires tailored to your specific dental anatomy. Insignia treatment is tailored to the individual patient. Each aspect is precisely calculated to affect tooth movement in the most optimal way, resulting in fewer office visits and exceptional comfort. Because Insignia treatment is 100% personalised, patients often see a reduction in the amount of time they would ordinarily wear braces.
Night guard
A removable appliance worn at night to help an individual minimise the damage or wear while clenching or grinding teeth during sleep.
Retainer
A fixed or removable appliance worn after the braces are removed. A removable retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth and holds them in their finished positions.
Separators/Spacers
Separators are little rubber bands or metal springs that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart, so that orthodontic bands may be placed around your teeth comfortably. The separators will be removed before we attach the bands.
If you are still a little stuck on the terminology, contact the team at Norwest Orthodontics on 9672 6113.
Image with thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists
