Orthodontics FAQ

Orthodontic treatment is a method of teeth straightening or moving teeth to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. Orthodontics can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, jaws, and gums.

IPR is the short form of interproximal reduction. It is one of the classic dental techniques which is used to reduce the size of the tooth to gain a minimum amount of space during orthodontic treatment.

Pre-orthodontic treatment is a required dental procedure that should be done before starting the orthodontic procedure. It includes consultation and diagnosis.

Headgear is an orthodontic appliance that is used to correct the biting movement and support the alignment and growth of the jaw. It is usually recommended for children. Headgear is worn partially outside of the mouth.

Most insurance coverage plans have annual maximum benefits whereas orthodontic benefits are usually lifetime maximums. Once it is used, there is no more available. The insurance coverage will not renew.

TPA stands for Trans-Palatal Arch. It is used to hold upper molars in place. TPA can stabilize the position of the teeth during or after the movement of other teeth.

It is a biting issue/problem in which the top and bottom teeth do not come together or bite in the correct position. Open bite is caused by the position of the jaw or tooth or a combination of both.

An orthodontic appliance is simply a dental device/tool that is designed specifically for the treatment of a dental condition.

Class D orthodontic service is a classification of insurance coverage for comprehensive orthodontic treatment with the help of fixed appliances.

Unlike two-phase orthodontics, comprehensive orthodontic treatment is done in just one stage. The best examples are metal / ceramic brace treatment, tooth-colored braces, and Invisalign treatment.

Indirect bonding is an alternative to the intraoral method of bracket placement. It is very helpful in proper bracket placement in orthodontic treatment.

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is also called interceptive orthodontics. This treatment usually begins at the age range of 6 to 9 years during the mixed dentition phase, when patients begin to lose their baby teeth.

Phase 2 orthodontic treatment occurs when braces are placed on the upper and/or lower teeth. This treatment corrects the spaces, misaligned teeth, and overbite/underbite concerns.

TADS is the term given to Temporary anchorage devices. These tools are small titanium anchors used in certain orthodontic cases to help achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort. TADS may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear.

Interceptive orthodontics is a method of dental treatment that helps to manipulate the growth and correct developmental occlusion problems.

Orthodontic wax is used to relieve pain caused by the rubbing or poking of bracket appliances and wires. The wax acts as a barrier between the braces and your mouth. Thus the contact break of the braces to your mouth prevents further injury.

The best age for orthodontic treatment is 8 to 14 years. During that period, a child usually has a combination of baby teeth and mature teeth.

Rubber bands, also called elastics, are used to correct a misaligned jaw and bite alignment. These elastics are available in different sizes, categories, and materials.

An orthodontic band is made of stainless steel and wraps entirely around a tooth. Bands may be used only on back teeth or can be part of a full set of metal braces. They provide a very durable and solid connection point for major corrections and headgear.

Orthodontic separators are made up of elastic separators or spacers. These separators are usually placed in between the back teeth so that the orthodontic band can be placed on a tooth/teeth easily.

A patient may feel some discomfort when using rubber bands with the braces. This is due to the additional pressure on your teeth and jaws to ensure they move into the correct position. A dental patient can overcome the pain easily.

The first premolar teeth are most frequently extracted for orthodontic treatment.

Turbos are small composite platforms that are also called bite blocks or ramps. It is placed on the inside of the upper front teeth, or on the biting surfaces of the back molars, to prevent full closure of the teeth.

Debonding is the process of orthodontic extraction in which the cemented orthodontics brackets are removed from your teeth.

The orthodontic elastic is safe unless you are allergic to it. The elastic can pass through your digestive system easily.

There are two types of orthodontic bonding. Direct bonding and indirect bonding. The direct bonding method is about attaching and positioning metal brackets right onto your teeth the first time. Indirect bonding is when the orthodontist first uses a plaster model of your teeth to position the brackets and then transfers them to your actual teeth.

The first premolar teeth are most frequently extracted for orthodontic treatment.

The most frequently used radiographic techniques are panoramic, lateral, and periapical frontal radiography.