Extraction Therapy: When the removal of permanent teeth is required in \n order to correct an orthodontic problem. This technique is used very \n selectively as it is usually in the patient\'s best interest to maintain all of the \n permanent teeth if possible.

Surgical Therapy: Just as the name implies, this procedure is reserved for \n those patients whose bony imbalance has progressed to the point that only \n surgical intervention can correct the problem.

Fixed Appliance Therapy: This is the conventional appliance technique \n using fixed braces. The appliance is attached to each individual tooth for \n precise positioning of the teeth. It should be noted that quite frequently two \n or more of these techniques are combined in order to achieve the desired \n results. Your dentist will explain to you the type of treatment that can best \n correct the patient\'s problem.

Now that we have a basic understanding of \n the problem and the treatment, let\'s get \n down to the "nuts and bolts" of every day \n therapy. Most cases require between two \n and three years of active treatment to \n correct. This means that discipline is \n important. All appointments must be kept. \n If you fail to keep appointments, then the \n treatment will be longer and more \n expensive for the patient. No one is a \n winner. If appointments and instructions are \n honored then the treatment goal is obtained \n quicker, easier, and cheaper. Everyone \n benefits. Don\'t forget the triangle for \n success!!!!!

Lost Appliances: Most removable \n appliances are lost as a result of the patient \n removing them for eating. An appliance box \n with the name and address of the patient is \n furnished by the doctor. If, however, the \n appliance are not placed into the box, they \n can easily be lost. The patient or parent \n should never wrap the appliance in a tissue \n or napkin. If this occurs they are easily \n discarded as trash and lost forever. \n Appliances are no different than eye \n glasses. They must be properly cared for!!! \n A second major cause of loss is the \n household dog. Dogs love the smell and \n taste of an appliance after it has been in a \n patient\'s mouth. They will chew on it or \n even bury it much like they would a bone. \n Keep the appliance and the box well out of \n reach of the family pet!!! If an appliance is \n lost or destroyed the doctor must pass the \n expense of replacement on to the patient or \n parent. Appliance therapy is not extremely \n expensive if patients and parents are \n responsible.

Sticky foods such as gum and candy must be avoided. In addition, hard \n items such as ice, nuts, or chips can break the appliance away form the \n tooth. Common sense dictates that careful attention to eating habits can \n speed treatment and reduce the cost of orthodontic therapy. If elastics are \n required as part of the therapy, they should be worn exactly as requested \n by the dentist. All rubber bands should be exchanged for new ones every \n twelve hours. If the rubber band supply becomes low, please contact the \n dental office for an additional supply.\n

\n
• Avoid Sticky Foods
  \n Candy
  \n Gum
\n
• Avoid Hard Foods
  \n Ice
  \n Nuts
  \n Chips
  \n
\n

It\'s the goal of everyone concerned to create beautiful smiles, beautiful \n faces,and teeth that will last a lifetime. The time and expense that is \n required to attain this goal is a nominal investment compared to a lifetime \n of rewards.\n