Orthodontic Appliances at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics

Personalized Solutions for Every Smile

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of orthodontic appliances to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our experienced orthodontists provide personalized care, utilizing advanced appliances to ensure the best possible outcomes for both children and adults. With over three generations of expertise, we proudly serve patients across Acton, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford, Massachusetts.

How to Handle Common Appliance Repairs & Issues

Orthodontic emergencies are unusual and most orthodontic repairs can wait to be handled at your next regularly scheduled appointment. A broken bracket or ligature may be annoying but rarely painful; these types of repairs can be made at a routine visit. On the other hand, a displaced wire or other traumatic incidents may require immediate attention.

You can call the office to receive instructions on how to care for your emergency and how to contact a responsible assistant. Here at RTO, we always have a doctor or assistant “on-call” to help you with these problems, most of which can be alleviated at home. While this is certainly your first line of action, never hesitate to give us a call! We want you to feel comfortable and assured that all is under control.

Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so taking care of your braces, clear aligners, and/or retainer is important. Some common issues with your orthodontic appliances can be taken care of at home until you can come in and have the appliance repaired.

For example, a few common issues with braces that can be fixed at home are loose bands or brackets, broken or poking archwires, and dislodged wires.

Watch the videos below of Dr. Steve, Jr. explaining the common minor problems that may occur with your braces during orthodontic treatment and the simple steps to alleviate them.

Wire Dislodged From Molar Brace

Retainer & Aligner Repair

Poking Wire & Wax

Poking Ligature Wire

Loose or Broken Bracket

Long Wire Poking in the Cheek

Do-It-Yourself Braces Repair

During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you likely will feel some pain, soreness, or discomfort.

You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces.

You may find it useful to look at the pictures below of common minor problems that may occur with your braces and simple steps to alleviate them.

Loose Brackets or Bands

Cutting a loose wire with a nail clipper or scissors (that have been sterilized in alcohol) may make you more comfortable. Be careful of the free end of the wire after it has been snipped.

Wire Irritation

Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab, Q-tip, or pencil eraser.

If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax.

If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.

Lost Separators

Most patients lose a separator during their treatments. Do not worry about losing a separator; it will not need to be replaced.

When to Schedule Braces Repairs

Our office has time for emergency adjustments during normal clinic hours each day.

We will schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

Emergencies generally fall into two categories:

Direct Injuries to the Mouth & Teeth

Following a direct injury to your mouth or teeth, you should see your general dentist as soon as possible.

An X-ray of the involved tooth may be needed to determine the extent of the injury.

Contact your dentist first if a tooth has been lost, severely displaced, or fractured.

Our RTO office may not have the necessary materials to treat your injuries.

Emergencies Related to Orthodontic Appliances

Broken or disturbed appliances may occur during your orthodontic care.

Loose bands, broken or poking wires, and dislodged or displaced orthodontic appliances should be reported to our office during regular office hours.

We will evaluate the urgency of the problem and schedule an appointment for you.

In the interim, follow these temporary measures:

An irritating tie wire can be covered with wax or tucked under the archwire using a blunt object such as a pencil eraser or a Q-tip.
A loose band or bracket can usually be left in place until your office appointment.
A broken archwire or one that is irritating the gum or cheek tissue requires replacement or adjustment.
A bent headgear facebow or ill-fitting removable appliance should not be worn until it is properly adjusted during your office visit.

What Are Orthodontic Appliances?

Orthodontic appliances are custom devices used to correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws, improve bite function, and promote overall oral health. At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we offer a variety of specialized appliances tailored to meet the needs of our patients at different stages of treatment. These include:

Expanders
Herbst Appliance
Carriere Distalizer
Retainers

Each appliance serves a specific purpose in creating a balanced, healthy smile. Our team carefully evaluates your condition to recommend the appliance that best fits your treatment plan, ensuring comfort and effectiveness throughout your orthodontic journey.

Expanders: Creating Space for Proper Alignment

A palatal expander is a common appliance used in children to widen the upper jaw, creating the necessary space for proper tooth alignment. This appliance is typically used during the early stages of orthodontic treatment to correct narrow arches, which can lead to crowding or cross bites. By gently expanding the upper jaw, the expander helps guide the teeth into better alignment and prevents the need for more complex treatments in the future. New evidence also suggests that expansion can also help improve breathing in patients with a nasal airway constriction.

Herbst Appliance: Improving Jaw Alignment

The Herbst appliance is a powerful tool for correcting bite issues, particularly in younger patients whose lower jaws are underdeveloped. This appliance helps to position the lower jaw forward, improving the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. It's commonly used to treat Class II malocclusions (overbites), ensuring a better bite and enhancing overall facial symmetry. The Herbst appliance is typically worn for 9-12 months and works continuously to guide jaw growth and bite correction.

To learn more about how we treat more complex jaw alignment issues in patients who are done growing, visit our Airway Orthodontics page.

Carriere Distalizer: Simplifying Complex Movements

The Carriere Distalizer is an innovative appliance used to correct bite misalignments, particularly Class II malocclusions. This sleek, easy-to-use appliance shifts the upper teeth back, or "distalizes" them, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like headgear or adult tooth extractions. The Carriere Distalizer is often used before braces or Invisalign treatment to simplify and shorten the overall time needed for orthodontic correction.

This appliance is an excellent option for patients looking for an effective, minimally invasive solution to improve their bite. Visit our Braces page to see how the Carriere Distalizer can work in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments.

Retainers: Maintaining Your Beautiful Smile

Once your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete, it's crucial to maintain your newly aligned smile with a retainer. Retainers are custom-made appliances designed to hold your teeth in their new positions, preventing them from shifting back over time. At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we offer different types of retainers to suit your needs, including:

Hawley Retainers: A traditional retainer made of acrylic and metal.
Clear Retainers: A nearly invisible option for patients who prefer a more discreet look.

Wearing your retainer as instructed is key to preserving your results and ensuring that your teeth stay aligned for years to come. For more details on post-treatment care, check out our Braces Care page.

The Reichheld Ting Orthodontics Difference

As a family-owned, three-generation practice, Reichheld Ting Orthodontics is committed to providing cutting-edge treatment with a personal touch. Here’s what sets us apart:

Advanced Technology: We use the latest orthodontic techniques and technologies, including digital imaging and 3D treatment planning, to ensure precision and comfort.
Comprehensive Services: From Invisalign and metal braces to complex appliances like the Herbst appliance and Carriere Distalizer, we offer a wide range of solutions for every orthodontic need.
Community-Driven Care: Our practice is deeply rooted in the communities of Acton, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford. We’re proud to serve families across Massachusetts with the highest quality care.

Whether you're seeking early intervention for your child or a complete orthodontic makeover for yourself, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Start Your Journey to a Healthier Smile Today

Are you ready to improve your smile or your child’s oral health? Schedule a consultation with Reichheld Ting Orthodontics today. We’ll assess your unique needs and recommend the best orthodontic appliances to help you achieve lasting results. With convenient office locations in Acton, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford, our team is ready to help you get started on the path to a healthier, more confident smile.

Start With a Free Consultation

Gain more confidence and start your smile story with a free consultation at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics in Acton, Billerica, Lowell, or Westford.

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