Braces & Clear Aligners | Lakeland & Winter Haven
A Wider, Brighter Smile
Scott Orthodontics offers Lakeland & Winter Haven treatment options like metal and clear braces, clear aligners, and more. But some smiles need additional attention and resources, like MARPEs and MSEs. Your visit will be guided by your orthodontist.
Iconix® Aesthetic Braces
Iconix® Aesthetic Braces are designed with stainless steel brackets that have a champagne-colored finish. This color blends more seamlessly with the natural color of teeth, providing an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces.
Advantages
- Aesthetic Appeal: The champagne-colored finish makes these braces less noticeable than standard metal brackets.
- Durability: Made of stainless steel, they offer strength and resilience.
- Comfort: Smaller bracket size means they are less bulky and more comfortable to wear.
- Efficient Treatment: Stainless steel material allows for effective tooth movement.
Understanding Cleft Lip & Palate
A cleft lip and palate happens when the structures forming your upper lip and mouth don't merge as expected during fetal development. This separation, typically occurring early in pregnancy, often has unidentified causes.
Approach to Treatment
Addressing a cleft lip and palate primarily involves surgical intervention. Dr. Greg, Dr. Jon, Dr. Karan, and our dedicated team of specialists will meticulously coordinate with the oral surgeon to create a customized treatment plan.
We might also employ an orthopedic device to properly position the palate segments, facilitating easier surgical correction of both lip and palate.
Treatment complexity varies, potentially necessitating multiple surgeries. The initial surgery is typically scheduled when a child is between three and six months old.
Our Commitment
Scott Orthodontics supports children affected by cleft palate from infancy to adulthood. Our commitment extends beyond treatment. We aim to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families.
What Is a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)?
With each adjustment, the Rapid Palatal Expander is designed to widen your upper jaw by applying tension on the upper molars.
Below is a guide to help you understand when and how to adjust your expander. Once the target expansion is reached, the device should be worn for several additional months to maintain the expansion and avoid setbacks.
Adjusting Your Expander
Here’s how Dr. Greg, Dr. Job, and Dr. Karan recommend making adjustments to your palatal expander.
Step 1: In a brightly lit setting, gently tilt your head backward for easier access. Make sure you use a mirror.
Step 2: Insert the key into the expander's hole until it secures firmly.
Step 3: Push the key towards the rear of your mouth. As you do this, you'll see the expander's fender rotate, revealing a new hole. The rotation concludes once the key reaches the expander's back.
Step 4: To remove the key, push it back and downwards towards the tongue. The subsequent hole for the next adjustment should now be visible and ready for use.
What Are MARPEs & MSEs?
Patients sometimes present with an upper arch too narrow to align correctly with the lower arch or to fit seamlessly within their smile.
In growing patients, it's feasible to widen the upper arch using tooth-supported expanders like Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE), Hyrax, quad-helix, and Schwartz, among others. Yet, once skeletal growth ceases and adulthood is reached, broadening the arch necessitates more than traditional methods.
This is the place where MSE and MARPE come into play.
Innovative Solutions for Adults
The Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) and Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE) are cutting-edge alternatives to more invasive surgical approaches for correcting jaw width discrepancies in adult patients.
These devices offer you a non-surgical pathway to rectify issues related to narrow, high palates or misalignments between the upper and lower jaws.
Operational Mechanics of MSEs & MARPEs
MSEs and MARPEs have revolutionized adult palate expansion treatment. Previously, the sole option for addressing adult crossbite and jaw width concerns was orthognathic surgeries like Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE).
Now, these innovative expanders allow for a non-invasive solution, helping numerous patients achieve a broader, more harmonious smile and bite without the need for surgery.
Following our doctors' guidance, patients will perform prescribed adjustments at home. Each adjustment incrementally widens the expander, aiding in bite correction.
In-Ovation® C
In-Ovation® C braces are self-ligating ceramic brackets that eliminate the need for elastic or metal ties. These braces use a built-in clip to hold the archwire in place.
Advantages
- Aesthetic Look: Ceramic material is tooth-colored, making the braces less visible.
- Self-Ligating Technology: Reduces friction and allows for easier and more efficient tooth movement.
- Less Frequent Adjustments: Often requires fewer visits to the orthodontist.
- Comfort: Smooth edges and smaller brackets enhance patient comfort.
Brava by Brius
Brava by Brius are a type of hidden braces that are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. This system uses customized brackets and wires designed for each patient.
Advantages
- Discreet: Completely hidden from view, offering an aesthetic solution.
- Customizable: Tailored to fit each patient's dental structure.
- Comfortable: Designed to minimize discomfort.
- Effective: Can reduce treatment time compared to traditional braces.