Unfortunately, many people have a negative association with orthodontics because of techniques that were used in the past but are no longer needed today.  Orthodontics has made many advances even in the past decade, and twin brackets with colored ties are now being replaced with the newer self-ligating brackets like the ones that are used at Skelton Orthodontics.  Dr. Skelton uses the In-Ovation R metal bracket and the In-Ovation C ceramic bracket – both of which are a part of the new, cutting–edge technology.

 

In the past, metal bands had to be placed on each tooth, requiring separators in between each tooth prior to fitting the bands.  Many patients report that separators are the most painful part of having braces.  Today, we use only a few bands on some of the posterior teeth, but most of your braces will be bonded brackets that are “glued” to the teeth with special adhesives.  Bonded brackets require no separation, which makes appliance placement much easier.  It is not uncommon for some of our teenage patients to drift off to sleep while their appliances are being placed.

 

Archwires that were only available in stainless steel, and that had to be painstakingly bent and adjusted at 3-4 week intervals are not used as frequently today.  With new metal alloys, memory wires can be inserted that work quickly over longer periods of time.  The surface of the wires is much smoother and teeth slide quickly into their new positions.  Lighter forces can be utilized which reduces patient discomfort.