If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between braces, oral functional appliances and retainers, here’s a handy at-a-glance guide brought to you by the team at HGS Ortho in Richmond and Port Coquitlam that highlights what braces, functional appliances and retainers have to offer you.
What do they do?
Braces: Shift teeth into the correct position by exerting gentle pressure
Functional Appliances: Shift teeth and align the jaws using the muscle action produced when speaking, chewing and swallowing
Retainers: Stabilize the teeth so that the surrounding soft and hard tissues can conform to the new dental alignment
When are they used?
Braces: Are effective at all ages for correcting bite issues and crooked teeth
Functional Appliances: Typically for patients ages 7-13 with overbites and closed bites
Retainers: Can be used at any age, after orthodontic treatment or simply if teeth have misaligned again and require minor correction
What are the results?
Braces: A fantastic new smile that’s straight and correctly aligned
Functional Appliances: Improved bite, improved chewing ability and less wear on the teeth
Retainers: A post-orthodontic-treatment smile that will last for decades
Your orthodontic specialist can determine which oral appliance or combination of appliances is appropriate for you. Contact HGS Ortho in Richmond and Port Coquitlam to book an appointment.
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