Braces for Children

By Suzanne Bird | Published on September 30, 2011 | 0 Comments

Dr. Suzanne Bird, the Charlotte orthodontist at Bird Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, uses Smartclip™ brackets. The technology behind these brackets has revolutionized the orthodontic industry, she says.

SmartClip™ brackets are frictionless brackets that clip onto the wire individually. The SmartClip™ brackets differ from traditional brackets in that traditional brackets rely on elastics to hold them onto the wire. This traditional method creates a sense of friction and makes it harder for the teeth to move in conjunction with one another, says Dr. Bird. In addition, Smartclip™ brackets are easier to keep clean and accumulate less plaque and bacteria.

The SmartClip™ brackets create a frictionless system that help the teeth move in coordination with each other, says Dr. Bird, a Charlotte orthodontist. It is nice because it means that the teeth move faster and there is less resistance, which equals less friction, she says. This generally makes braces a little bit gentler for the patient and promotes an overall faster treatment time.

Dr. Bird says that with this system, she only needs to see the patient every 8 weeks because the Smartclip™ system actively moves teeth for longer spans of time. With traditional braces, the patient would need to be seen every 4 weeks. This is fantastic news to both kids and parents.

Dr. Bird says she also uses an appliance called the Forsus™ spring. It corrects the relationship of the jaws and teeth in a case where they don’t properly fit together. The Forsus™ spring is placed in the mouth and usually only worn for a portion of the treatment time, says Dr. Bird. Rather than old-fashioned elastics that patients take in and out themselves creating a compliance issue for many teens, the Forsus™ spring is a fixed appliance that is worn 24/7, says Dr. Bird. The Forsus™ springs are hidden by the cheeks and not very noticeable. They offer faster and more effective results than traditional elastic, she says.

For more information on Charlotte braces, contact Bird Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today (704)544-5000.

*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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