Types of Braces

Miniature Self-ligating Braces

At York Mills Orthodontics, we use self-ligating braces by GAC International Inc. that are also much smaller than the braces that have traditionally been used over the years. There are many advantages of these braces:

Comfort-The reduced size of these braces help to reduce lip and cheek irritation. Self-ligation refers to the fact that these braces have tiny clips that hold the wire in place rather than relying on elastic or steel ties. The technology of self-ligating brackets allows us to apply a continuous gentle force, which means less discomfort and pain throughout your treatment.

Esthetics-Since these braces are smaller than standard braces, they are less visible on your teeth. They are also available in ceramic for the most optimal of esthetics and efficiency.

Hygienic-Self-ligating braces are more hygienic. Because of their small size and due to the fact that elastic ties are not required to secure the wire in place, it is much easier to brush and clean around these braces. For those patients who still want coloured elastics on their braces, they can simply be placed over top of the braces.

Efficiency-With good cooperation, the number of office visits required and the overall treatment time can often be reduced with self-ligating braces. This is due to the light continuous force that can be applied, as well as the reduced friction, which allows the teeth to move more easily.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)

One of the many important advances in orthodontics has been the development of temporary anchorage devices, or TADs. Made of a bio-compatible titanium alloy, TADs are miniscrew anchors which are inserted into specific places in the mouth to be used as a fixed point from which teeth can move. Before TADs, orthodontists who wanted to move some teeth while keeping others still, or to achieve orthodontic movement in a mouth with missing teeth, had to rely on headgear for their fixed point. But TADs now provide an option for that fixed point that is smaller, more discrete, more efficient and requires significantly less work for the patient.

Temporary anchorage devices may not be recommended for everyone, and in fact, anchorage devices at all may not be needed in all cases. Contact us if you’d like to know more about TADs and how they can potentially prevent you from needing orthodontic headgear.

Invisalign®

The Invisalign System is a series of clear overlay templates called aligners that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system.

Xbow

Xbow (Crossbow) Class II Corrector. Distalizing the upper bicuspids and molars opens space for the canines and corrects overjet by sharing the correction between the upper and lower. This maintains the upper incisor position and upper lip fullness as much as possible. The upper incisors are retracted passively by transeptal fibre tension to decrease root resorption.

In-Ovation C – Clear Braces

GAC In-Ovation “C” utilizes an interactive self-ligating bracket system to enhance patient comfort and shorten treatment time, while also keeping aesthetics in mind. In-Ovation C uses unique translucent Rhodium-covered clips for cosmetic appeal. Now patients can receive the benefits of an SL bracket system with the aesthetics of ceramic braces!

In-Ovation R

“R” is a revolutionary new system of braces that is not only faster for your orthodontist to use, it also can significantly shorten treatment time. It’s great looking and smaller for greater comfort. Plus, it offers better hygiene than conventional braces.