Retainers do one thing, and one thing only. They hold your teeth in their new positions to help achieve stability. They are worn 24/7 to start, then, depending on your compliance, I will be able to shorten the number of hours per day that are required. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The 3 most common types, however, are the plastic tray-type retainer (Essex), the wire and plastic retainer (Hawley), and a wire bonded to the insides of your teeth (Bonded 3-3).
The Temporomandibular Joint, the jaw joint, is unique.
It is designed entirely different than any other joint in the human body.
Because of its bilateral uniqueness, there are many things that can go wrong with the joint.
These include, but are not limited to, derangement (parts out of position or malfunctioning), displaced disk, arthritis, foreign bodies, ligament tears, bursitis, and many other conditions.
Malocclusion may cause or contribute to Myo-Facial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome or Temporomandibular Joint Derangement.
There are many treatment modalities, ranging from exercises, temperature change therapy, muscle relaxants, biofeedback, an occlusal orthotic (night guard), arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement surgery, and others.
Numerous individuals have the humiliating issue of crooked or misaligned teeth.
One of the most apparent solutions for the orthodontic issue is to get braces.
Yet, with an ever-increasing number of teenagers and grown-ups requiring their teeth fixed, there is another alternative known as Invisalign.
