Orthodontic Appliances at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics

Custom Solutions for a Healthy, Aligned Smile in Acton, Lowell, Westford, Billerica & Chelmsford

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond braces and aligners. Specialized orthodontic appliances play a vital role in guiding jaw development, correcting bite issues, and ensuring long-term orthodontic success. At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we provide custom orthodontic appliances tailored to the unique needs of children, teens, and adults in Acton, Lowell, Westford, Billerica, and Chelmsford.

With over 50 years of experience and a reputation for personalized, high-quality care, our team offers expert guidance in selecting the right appliance for your orthodontic goals. Whether you need an appliance before, during, or after braces, we ensure a comfortable and effective treatment experience.

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-made devices used to correct jaw growth, improve bite function, and maintain the alignment of teeth after treatment. Depending on your needs, these appliances may be removable or fixed.

Common Orthodontic Appliances We Offer:

Palatal Expanders – Widens the upper jaw to create space for proper tooth alignment.
Space Maintainers – Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into open spaces after premature tooth loss.
Herbst Appliances – Corrects overbites by encouraging proper lower jaw growth.
Carriere Motion Appliance – Helps reduce the severity of bite issues before starting braces or aligners.
Tongue & Lip Habit Appliances – Discourages habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that can affect dental development.
Retainers – Maintains results after orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting.

Each of these appliances serves a unique purpose in guiding healthy jaw and tooth development, ensuring a functional and attractive smile.

Learn more about our orthodontic treatments.

Who Needs an Orthodontic Appliance?

Orthodontic appliances can benefit patients of all ages, from children requiring early intervention to adults maintaining their orthodontic results. Our team may recommend an appliance if you:

Have a narrow upper jaw that needs expansion.
Experience difficulty biting or chewing due to misalignment.
Need to prevent teeth from shifting after braces or extractions.
Have habit-related issues affecting tooth and jaw development.
Are looking to correct a bite issue before starting full orthodontic treatment.

If you're unsure whether an appliance is necessary, we provide personalized evaluations to determine the best course of action for your orthodontic needs.

How Orthodontic Appliances Work

Step 1: Consultation & Digital Impressions

We begin with an in-depth evaluation using digital scanning technology to assess your dental and jaw structure.

Step 2: Custom Appliance Creation

Every appliance is uniquely designed to fit your mouth and address your specific orthodontic needs.

Step 3: Placement & Adjustment

Depending on the appliance, it may be bonded to the teeth or made removable. Our orthodontists will provide detailed instructions on wear and care.

Step 4: Monitoring & Treatment Progress

Regular check-ups allow us to adjust the appliance as needed and track progress toward your treatment goals.

Orthodontic appliances are an essential part of many treatment plans, ensuring the best possible results for your smile.

Caring for Your Orthodontic Appliance

To ensure that your appliance functions properly and lasts throughout treatment, it’s important to:

Clean removable appliances daily with a toothbrush and mild soap.
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage fixed appliances.
Follow wear-time instructions for retainers or habit-breaking devices.
Keep up with regular orthodontic appointments for adjustments and progress checks.

Our team will provide personalized care instructions for your specific appliance to ensure treatment success.

Why Choose Reichheld Ting Orthodontics?

Customized Treatment Plans – Every patient receives a tailored orthodontic approach.
Advanced Digital Technology – Ensures precise appliance design and maximum comfort.
Over 50 Years of Expertise – Trusted orthodontic care serving Acton, Billerica, Lowell, and Westford.
Affordable Payment Plans – Flexible financing to fit your budget.
Convenient Locations – Four offices providing easy access to quality orthodontic treatment.

Schedule your free consultation to discuss your orthodontic appliance options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Appliances

How do I know if I need an orthodontic appliance?

Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment to determine if an appliance can improve your treatment results.

Are orthodontic appliances uncomfortable?

Some mild discomfort is normal at first, but most patients adjust within a few days.

How long will I need to wear an orthodontic appliance?

It depends on the type of appliance and your specific treatment needs. Some are worn for a few months, while others may be used throughout treatment.

Do I need an appliance if I’m getting braces or Invisalign?

In some cases, an appliance may be recommended before or after braces to optimize results.

How do I clean my orthodontic appliance?

Removable appliances should be cleaned daily, while fixed appliances require careful brushing and flossing. Our team will provide detailed care instructions.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Orthodontic appliances are an essential part of many treatment plans, ensuring proper jaw development, bite correction, and long-term smile stability. At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we offer personalized orthodontic solutions designed for comfort and effectiveness.

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