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'Each appliance starts with an impression' |
How are appliances made?
All orthodontic appliances are made to the individual patient's
requirements. They are fashioned according to a prescription
and/or verbal discussion with the orthodontist. They are made
on a plaster cast, which is made from an impression (mould)
of the patient prepared by the orthodontist. |
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'The impression is cast (filled) with dental plaster' |
From what materials are appliances made?
Depending on the type of appliance required, orthodontic
appliances can be made from acrylic resin, stainless steel
wire, metal bands and small screws. |
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'Wires are bent around the teeth of the cast'
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What type of appliances are made at Addenbrooke's?
There are three main types of appliances made in the Orthodontic
Laboratory at Addenbrooke's:
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Fixed appliances
These are generally used in conjunction with the fixed
braces that orthodontists cement to the teeth. Different
coloured elastics are available.
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Removable appliances (including retainers)
These are generally made from acrylic resin and stainless
steel wire. Different coloured acrylics are available
(see below).
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Functional appliances
These move teeth by stimulating the muscles of the face
and jaws. They can be fairly bulky but with new materials
constantly being developed, we are finding and adapting
new appliances to help patients tolerate them better.
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