We offer active and passive loose braces. The "active plate" can be useful for minimal jaw and tooth misalignments.
This passive form is mainly used for stability following the orthodontic treatment using "retention plates". However, it can also be useful in treating early baby teeth loss cases. We refer to these as "space maintainers" in these cases.
Active plates are mostly used for children and adolescent patients.
The retention plate is not bound to a certain age and is used after successful orthodontic treatment.
Loose braces are made individually for the upper or lower jaw. They consist of a plastic base and various wire elements (clasps) which serve to hold and correct the misalignment of the teeth.
Active plates often have a small screw built into the centre of the plastic base. This is turned at regular intervals by the patient or parents according to appropriate instructions.
This not only corrects slight tooth misalignments, but also has a positive influence on the development of the jaw.
After taking an impression of the upper or lower jaw, the removable braces are made individually for each patient in one of our trusted laboratories. Once fitted on the patient, a wearing time of 16 hours is recommended.
The duration of treatment with active plates is unique to every patient. On average, treatment will take 12 months. Retention plates should be worn every night for the first 3 months. After that, the wearing time can be individually adjusted in consultation with the orthodontist.
They also serve as a preventative treatment against possible unwanted recurrences and can thus be seen as a "template for life".
Removable braces are easy to use and allow for optimal dental care at home. If only a slight misalignment of the teeth and jaw is to be corrected and there is proper follow-through by the patient, treatment with active plates can be sufficient and fixed braces can be avoided.
FIXED BRACES
There is a distinction between external and internal fixed braces. They are both used to correct mild to severe malocclusions. With the help of additional aids (elastics, etc.), jaw misalignments can also be treated.
Fixed braces can be used for both adolescent and adult patients. In order to meet individual aesthetic needs, we also offer ceramic brackets in addition to the conventional mini brackets.
The central component of fixed braces are the brackets and bands. Bands are usually attached to the large molars while brackets are bonded to the remaining teeth using a special procedure.
Due to the embedding of an archwire in the slots of the brackets and bands, the teeth are moved step by step into their ideal position. The orthodontic archwire can be attached to the brackets and bands in different ways.
For young patients, a large selection of different colours is available. For adult patients, we also offer transparent options.
At the first appointment, small separating elastics are inserted between the large molars. They are used as a preparatory measure to accommodate the bands and are usually worn for 3-5 days.
At the second appointment, the fixed braces and all of their components are fitted directly onto the patient's teeth. The patient will receive a detailed set of instructions on caring for their braces, along with a starter kit (toothbrush, rinsing solution, and wax).
Follow-up appointments are made in 4-6 week intervals, in which either the rubber ligatures or the archwire will be adjusted and changed. The duration of treatment is usually 1.5 - 2 years. Once the jaws and the teeth are in the right place, they should be strengthened for the long term to keep the results. In addition to removable retention plates that stabilize the final result, we recommend using a retainer wire in the lower jaw and, if possible, also in the upper jaw.
This procedure can prevent new tooth misalignments and thus recurrences. The retention period, which extends after the active phase, usually lasts 1 year. During this time, check-ups take place at intervals of 3 months.
Thanks to the use of high-quality materials, extensive tooth and jaw misalignments can be gently corrected at any age with good cooperation and care.
FUNCTIONAL ORTHODONTICS
There are a variety of functional orthodontic braces. Basically, they provide a balance in the orofacial system (between the inside and surrounding muscles of the mouth) and thus help to correct jaw malpositions. The mechanism of action is based primarily on the use of the body's own muscular forces.
Regular wearing stimulates growth in the right places. For example, a large overbite can be reduced by promoting the growth of the lower jaw. This can, from a holistic point of view, positively influence the entire body posture. Functional orthodontic braces are often referred to as "gymnastics equipment" in German.
Functional orthodontic braces are used during growth and are therefore primarily suitable for growing patients, i.e. children and adolescents.
In rare cases, functional orthodontic braces can also be used as retaining braces in adult patients after orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatments.
Functional orthodontic braces treat both the upper and lower jaw. Similar to removable braces, they consist of plastic and wire elements (clasps). And in some cases, a small screw is also built into the centre of the plastic base. The most common appliances include the "activator", "bionator", "VDP appliance (bite jumping appliance)" and the "function regulator according to Frenkel".
This type of brace is also made individually for each patient in one of our trusted laboratories. In addition to the impressions of the upper and lower jaw, an impression of the bite in its correct jaw position is required. When used on the patient, a wearing time of 16 hours is recommended. The average duration of treatment with functional orthodontic braces is 12 months. Depending on the treatment plan, they can also be worn during the growth and changing of teeth, for example, to correct a deep bite.
The treatment options with functional orthodontic braces are wide-ranging. The right time is crucial. These braces can only show their full effect if there is sufficient growth.
INVISALIGN TREATMENT
With this modern treatment method, it is possible to gently correct malocclusions almost invisibly.
Invisalign is suitable for both adolescent and adult patients. Due to its good predictability, this system is also suitable for combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatments.
Aligners are a sequence of transparent corrective splints which are produced individually for each patient, created by digital planning. The aligners cover all teeth in the upper and lower jaw and are made of plastic.
Precise impressions of the upper and lower jaw are needed for digital planning. In contrast to conventional impressions, this type of impression differs in its accuracy and is crucial for the fit of the aligners. To hold the aligners in place and to support tooth movement, attachments are usually bonded to the teeth. This procedure takes place immediately before the first pair of aligners is fitted. In consultation with the orthodontist, the patient is given 3-4 pairs of aligners, which must be replaced at regular intervals. The wearing time is 22 hours per day. This way, the teeth are moved into the optimal final position little by little. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the malocclusion or the number of aligners needed. Details of your treatment plan like this can only be given after the digital planning has been processed. Normally, however, it can be assumed that treatment with Invisalign does not take longer than with other orthodontic devices.
Uncomplicated insertion and removal guarantee easy handling by the patient. Additionally, unrestricted pleasure in eating and specialized dental care at home for orthodontic treatments are no longer a problem.
Address
Orthodontics Practice in Münchenstein
Dr. med. dent. Daniel Heekeren
Orthodontic Specialist
Baselstrasse 71
CH-4142 Münchenstein
CONTACT
OUR OFFICE HOURS
Mon - Thu 08:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 17:30
Fri 08:00 - 13:00