Orthodontics By Dr. Gregg Hipple

One of the most popular self-help books available today is "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen P. Covey. According to Covey, "To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination." Covey's approach to life in general can be directly applied to most routine orthodontic treatments. We will work together to have a clear understanding of the sequence of events that can lead to an excellent orthodontic result.

Appliance Selection
Our office uses some of the finest braces and wires available. Excellent materials increase treatment efficiency leading to on-time treatments. Typically our braces include the following:

Braces

Bands are braces that are cemented around the farthest back molars. Bonds are braces that are attached to the front teeth. The correct position of bands and bonds depends on tooth angulation, tooth rotations, and the original bite prior to placing braces.

Upper Teeth

Lower Teeth

Tooth Movement
While the bands and bonds serve as attachments on your teeth the wires, power chains, and rubber bands actually move the teeth.

Wires

Orthodontic arch wires are carefully attached to each brace with wire ties or alastic ties. Our arch wires are very flexible yet have a unique ability to reform to their original arch shape when deflected. When you begin your orthodontic treatment your initial ideal arch wire will be gently deflected into each brace and attached with a wire tie or alastic tie. The deflected wire applies a gentle, continuous pressure on your teeth moving them into a more ideal alignment.

Rubber Bands

Rubber bands can be attached to the hooks on braces to provide movement in a desired direction. Rubber bands are primarily used between the upper and lower teeth in an effort to improve the inter-arch relationship, or the bite. In general rubber bands are to be worn full time in an effort to achieve a desired result.

Power Chain

Power chains are placed on adjacent teeth and are used to close space. Power chains are removed and replaced at each appointment so we can continue to provide light, continuous pressure to efficiently move teeth.

Spacers

We are often asked about spacers. These round rubber doughnuts are placed between back molars and actually move the molars apart enough to place bands on the molars. They are generally used for one to two weeks.

How do teeth move through solid bone?
It doesn't seem possible, but when a gentle constant pressure is applied to a tooth... the tooth moves through solid bone. Teeth are not attached directly to the actual bone but are suspended in a bone socket by ligament fibers. When pressure is applied to a tooth by wires, rubber bands, or power chains the ligament fibers are compressed on one side and stretched on the other.

On the compression side the bone actually dissolves. On the opposite side, where ligament is stretched, new bone is formed. So a tooth can move in its socket toward the compression side as new bone forms on the opposite side. How awesome is that!

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Each patient's treatment time can vary due to the severity of the bite problem, the response to braces, favorable or unfavorable facial growth, and patient cooperation with oral hygiene and rubber bands. One thing is for sure, excellent cooperation always seems to decrease treatment time!

How do you keep teeth from moving back?
Retainers are used following orthodontic treatment in an effort to maintain your orthodontic result. Since our jaws and teeth are constantly changing throughout our lifetime the proper use of retainers is critical if you want to maintain your beautiful smile. Most times, retainers need to be worn when you sleep so any inconveniences are kept to a minimum.

Treatment Success
Successful orthodontic treatment requires lots of planning. We need to share a clear vision of our anticipated results. Proper position of braces is very important. A logical progression of arch wires and rubber band wear is equally important. Outstanding patient cooperation is a must. And most times, with proper planning, attention to detail, and excellent patient cooperation we can achieve a beautiful healthy smile

7729 79th Street South - Cottage Grove, MN 55016 - Phone: 651.459.6674
e-mail: info@orthodonticsbyhipple.com - www.orthodonticsbyhipple.com
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