Our Services
Robert Montoya, D.D.S. offers a full array of orthodontic services to help you maintain healthy teeth. You can read more on this page about specific services.
- What is Orthodontics?
- Braces
- Self Ligating Brackets
- Invisalign
- Appliances
- MARA
- Headgear
- Elastics
- RPE
- Tongue Crib
- Retainers
What is orthodontics?
The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, or “bad bite.” When you have a malocclusion, that means your teeth, lips and/or jaws do not line up the way they should. As a result, your teeth may be crooked, your bite may not work correctly. To correct malocclusions, Orthodontists, dentists who are specially trained, use braces and other corrective appliances and procedures, to achieve tooth and jaw alignment. This correction of the teeth and their supportive structures makes for a healthy, attractive smile.
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Braces
Braces are applied to teeth for various reasons, including poorly aligned jaws, crooked, crowded and missing teeth, or a bad bite (also called malocclusion). Braces are made from extremely lightweight and natural-colored materials. Braces are bonded to the surface of the teeth but can be later removed. People can expect to wear braces for about two years, but can differ in some cases. Braces put pressure on one side of your teeth, and the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves and new bone grows in behind. Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move your teeth into a more pleasing, healthy position. The two main components of your braces are brackets and the main arch wire that is attached to them. The bracket is a piece of metal or ceramic that is bonded to each tooth. The arch wire is bent to reflect your ideal bite the way your teeth should look after treatment. The arch wire is placed through the bracket and as the wire tries to return to that ideal shape, it applies pressure to make your teeth move. Orthodontic appliances need to be adjusted from time to time to ensure they continue to move the teeth into their correct position, so regularly scheduled appointments are needed to ensure teeth move correctly.
Self ligating Brackets
These brackets use sliding door technology known as “self ligation” that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. No elastics or steel ties are used with these brackets which result in less friction and greater comfort for the patient. In addition, self ligating brackets often reduce both treatment time and the number of appointments that are scheduled.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that are custom made to fit you. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks or as prescribed by Dr. Montoya, moving your teeth into a straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. Unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth. Dr. Montoya sees patients every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At regular intervals, you will receive a new set of custom made clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by Dr. Montoya for your course of treatment.
Appliances
MARA
The mandibular anterior repositioning appliance, also known as the Mara, is also used for correcting Class II malocclusions. The Mara is banded to the upper and lower first molars. “Elbows” slide into tubes on the upper part of the appliance and when the mouth closes these elbows guide the bite into the correct position. The Mara appliance is used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction, while at the same time applying pressure to the upper jaw in a backwards direction. The patient wears the Mara appliance for 10-12 months. The Mara is successful because the bone and muscles are in proper function and alignment 24 hours a day.
Headgear
A headgear is an extra-oral appliance used in the treatment of some patients. A headgear creates a push or pulling force to guide the teeth and jaws into correct jaw alignment. Depending on the malocclusion, different kinds of headgear can be used. Bands are cemented to the upper first molars and the headgear is uniquely fit to each patient. The headgear is worn 10-12 hours a night and can be taken on and off. The patient wears the headgear and/or elastics until the malocclusion is corrected.
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Elastics
Elastics are an intra oral force to guide the teeth and jaws into correct jaw alignment. They can be worn in any number of configurations and are attached to hooks that are apart of the brackets or bands. Elastics are placed onto the hooks by the patient. They are generally worn 22-24 hours a day and do require a lot of cooperation from the patient. Elastics are worn until the malocclusion is corrected.
RPE
A rapid palatal expander, or also known as an RPE, is an appliance that widens the roof of the mouth. This expansion of the palate allows room for crowded teeth to grow naturally, and/or expands the upper jaw to more closely fit the lower jaw. The RPE is banded to the upper first molars and patients are required to turn the appliance as prescribed by Dr. Montoya. This “turning” of the RPE puts pressure on the molars, which causes the palate to expand. The patient wears the RPE for a short period of time, generally 6 months.
Tongue Crib
A tongue crib is used to control habits such as a tongue thrust or thumb sucking. Depending on the habit, a tongue crib is either banded to the upper or lower first molar and a “cage” prevents the patient’s habit from continuing. The patient wears the tongue crib usually until the habit is corrected.
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Retainers
Retainers are used once orthodontic treatment is complete. Retainers are needed to hold teeth in their new position while surrounding bone and gums adjust to this new position. The length of time a patient wears retainers varies and is determined only by Dr. Montoya. There are three different kinds of retainers: hawleys, essix or bonded retainers. The most common type is the Hawley retainer, which is made of a metal wire that surrounds the teeth and keeps them in place. It is anchored in a specially-molded, sometimes brightly colored acrylic form that sits in the palate or floor of the mouth. Top and bottom retainers are usually made as prescribed by Dr. Montoya. Another type is the essix retainer. This clear or transparent retainer fits over the entire arch of the teeth and is also made from a mold. It is similar in appearance to invisalign trays. Essix retainers are less expensive and more aesthetic. Another type is the bonded retainer. A bonded retainer typically consist of a passive wire boned to the tongue-side of the lower incisors, but other teeth can be treated in similar fashion. The bonded wire does not allow teeth to move. Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, Dr. Montoya will prescribe the best type of retainer for you.
Orthodontist - Keller
1730 Rufe Snow Drive
Keller, TX 76248
817-427-2237
