Hudson
89 First St., Ste. 209
Hudson, OH 44236
Phone: 330-650-1660
Northfield
9365 Olde Eight Road
Northfield Center, OH 44067
Phone: 330-468-0607
Latest Technology
Self-Ligating Braces and High-Tech Alloy Wires
Currently, less than half of all orthodontic brackets used are “self-ligating." These braces were developed to reduce friction with the archwires by over 80%. They allow the orthodontist to apply a significantly gentler force over a greater distance. Used in conjunction with superelastic, low-force memory wires, they produce movement of the teeth that is gentler and more comfortable. Use of these complementary technologies permits more movement between visits and requires fewer visits. The most well-known self-ligating bracket system is the “Damon system” and the name is often used generically just like “Kleenex” is used for facial tissue. Dr. White has used all of the most popular self-ligating brackets over the last 6 years (since they were first introduced) and currently uses ClaritySL.
Soft Tissue Lasers
Often the size and shape of the gums present challenges for the orthodontic patient and the orthodontist. Overgrowth of the tissue can interfere with proper brace placement before treatment and unsightly soft tissue contours after treatment. Dr. White uses his soft tissue laser with topical anesthetic to gently and carefully reshape the gums to provide better care without the need to refer his patients elsewhere for some of the more common gingival procedures. This is usually done at no additional charge to the patient and can be done the same day that the need becomes obvious. Healing is usually less painful than the aftermath of a bite of too-hot pizza or a buried popcorn hull.
Temporary Anchorage Devices / Microscrew Implants
Orthodontic movement of teeth is most easily understood as a pushing and pulling contest between teeth. However, when there is no tooth or too few teeth to push/pull in a particular direction, we need to add an “anchor.” Think of this as if “the Hulk” joined your team in a tug-of-war. Very small titanium microscrews are implanted into the jaw bones where needed to move teeth in directions that were previously either impossible or required external headgears. Dr. White has had the honor of learning to use these several years ago from previous residents of his who are now worldwide lecturers and esteemed colleagues. These are done under local anesthesia and are based on dental CAT scan images from our Cone Beam CT.
