THE DAMON BRACKET

Damon braces were invented by Dr. Dwight Damon. The Damon bracket utilizes (sliding door) technology known as "self ligation" that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. No elastic or steel ties are used with Damon brackets. This technology creates less friction and results in greater comfort for the patient. In addition, Damon braces often reduce both treatment time and the number of adjustments that are usually performed. For more information visit the Damon braces website at http://www.damonbraces.com/ .

 THE INNOVATION-C BRACKET

The Innovation-C bracket uses the same sliding door technology as the Damon bracket above, except that it is a ceramic bracket.  For those patients who are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing bracket, this is an excellent alternative.  They are placed on the upper, front, six teeth, as these are the teeth that show when we smile.  Our patients love this bracket and feel that they are well worth the additional $180 charge.

       Functional Regulator          

The functunal regulator or FR is a commonly used appliance at our office due to it's proven success.  Dr. Diers has not only been using the FR for more than 30 years, but was instrumental in the development and design of the appliance.  Because we have our own lab, Dr. Diers is able to individually design each FR according to each patient's particular needs; unlike most offices who have their appliances made by outside labs.  The FR is used to widen the arches, to make room for the permanent teeth to be properly aligned into a broad smile; thus avoiding the need for tooth extraction which permanently alters the facial appearance and presents a narrow smile.  Additionally, the appliance works on the surrounding facial muscles.  The FR corrects overbites or class II by bringing the lower jaw into a more forward position, while inhibiting the upper jaw development.  It is also used for underbite or class III correction.  Patients who wear the appliance, typically follow with braces treatment; however, braces are usually worn for a shorter period of time because the jaw correction has already been accomplished. 

   

  The ICAT 3D imaging system has arrived in the Cincinnati orthodontic community!  Dr. Diers has added an ICAT 3D Imaging Machine right in his office for your convenience!  This 9 second scan allows for enhanced diagnostic accuracy of all structures of the face and neck area including TMJ (temporomandibular joint), dental structures and airway analysis.  Additionally, airway analysis, sinuses and bone density can be observed with a 360 degree scan formatted for any rotation or slice to achieve the best view of these structures.  With more precise views, improved outcomes can be designed and achieved without the distortions inherent in 2 dimensional x-rays. Two dimensional x-rays can often be unreliable due errors such as projection measurements and linear measurements. These errors are eliminated with ICAT scans and 3D imaging. to distortions such as superimposition or overlapping, magnification errors, as well as geometric

     The ability to look at all structures, from all three planes of space (ICAT), requires less radiation exposure than a full series of mouth x-rays. ICAT technology or CBCT radiation doses have been measured to less than 2 panoramic x-rays or less than 2 full series of individual tooth x-rays. 

     Immediately after the scan is taken, all of the x-rays generated are available for viewing.  With just one 9 second scan, Dr. Diers will have a panoramic x-ray, laterals, x-rays of the TMJ and everything in between.  In the past, it would have taken over an hour to achieve all of these x-rays. He will have the ability to view, from any angle, all structures in order to diagnose your case with precision. This ability to immediately observe the structures, plus electronically store, print and transmit the data is an invaluable asset to our practice and our patients.  We would be pleased to demonstrate these scans for you!

          -Studies have shown that visual images provide 80 –90% of the information that our brain receives.  Therefore, it makes sense that information from our radiological workups are imperative for precise diagnosis and communication with patients.

           

   

"Accelerated Orthodontics"

"How much longer before my braces come off?" is one of the most commonly asked questions of any orthodontist.  The Accelerated Osteogenic OrthodonticsTM (AOOTM) procedure, allows most patients to finish their treatment in 3-8 months. It's true!  With the AOOTM procedure most orthodontic cases in both adolescents and adults can be completed 3 to 4 times faster than would be possible with conventional orthodontics. This is accomplished by combining efficient orthodontic mechanics and time-tested alveolar decortication and augmentation techniques. The end result is straight teeth, a structurally sound periodontium, and patients that are extremely grateful.

Patients begin by having braces placed first, before having the Wilckodontics procedure performed.  They are then required to have appointments every two weeks, instead of every two months - it is imperative that patients are seen at these frequent intervals in order to obtain success.  For more information regarding the Wilckodontics procedure, call our office or visit the Wilckodontics website, http://www.wilckodontics.com/    

Dr. Diers' patient - treated with Wilckodontics procedure       

                 Total Treatment time - 8 months!                                               

  Spaces intentionally left between the teeth for placement of bondings.     

             _____Orthognathic Surgery 

Corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery is performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth, which, in turn, can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. While the patient's appearance may be dramatically enhanced as a result of their surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed to correct functional problems.  Most often, patients undergoing orthognathic surgery also wear braces before and after the surgery.  Dr. Diers works with your surgeon every step of the way to assure the best results.

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery: difficulty chewing, or biting food difficulty swallowing chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache excessive wear of the teeth open bite (space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed) unbalanced facial appearance from the front, or side facial injury or birth defects receding chin protruding jaw inability to make the lips meet without straining chronic mouth breathing and dry mouth sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring)

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

People who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery include those with an improper bite resulting from misaligned teeth and/or jaws. In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. Injuries and birth defects may also affect jaw alignment. While orthodontics can usually correct bite, or "occlusion," problems when only the teeth are misaligned, corrective jaw surgery may be necessary to correct misalignment of the jaws.

Evaluating Your Need for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Dr. Diers and your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will work together to determine whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw, or orthognathic, surgery. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon determines which corrective jaw surgical procedure is appropriate and performs the actual surgery. Your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and Dr. Diers understand that this is a long-term commitment for you and your family.  They will try to realistically estimate the time required for your treatment.

Corrective jaw surgery may reposition all or part of the upper jaw, lower jaw and chin. When you are fully informed about your case and your treatment options, you and Dr. Diers will determine the course of treatment that is best for you.

Common dentofacial problems include an open bite (a), a prognathic, or protruding, lower jaw-underbite (b) and a retrognathic, or receding, lower jaw-overbite (c).

TMJ    

One of the most misdiagnosed physical ailments...

Pain or clicking in the jaw joint...headaches...painful or sensitive teeth...facial pain...dizziness...ringing in the ears...pain or stiffness in the neck or shoulders...earaches... Any of these discomforts may be symptoms of a TMJ Disorder.

TMJ problems are caused by a lack of harmony among joints, muscles, and teeth. An incorrect bite can throw the TMJ out of alignment. If your jaw is even slightly out of place, it can strain the surrounding muscles and cause a tension headache. The symtoms are often triggered by emotional stress, which can cause increased grinding or clenching of the teeth. The symptoms of TMJ disorders seem unrelated to one another and are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. As a result, TMJ problems are hard to diagnose and effective treatment is often delayed.

Treatment of TMJ

Dr. Diers has had extensive training and experience in treating this disorder. In addition, our office is equipped with a specific x-ray machine which allows us to take tomograms (x-rays needed to diagnose TMJ). This saves our patients the aggravation of having to go to the hospital for x-rays. After a thorough examination, the first step in treating TMJ disorder is to improve the working position of the jaw and the muscles. To make this correction, Dr. Diers will determine your “ideal bite” and fit you with a bite splint to keep your jaws in the proper position. This appliance, which is removable, is usually worn full time.    

If your condition warrrants it, Dr. Diers will supplement the splint therapy by referring you to other health-care professionals. You may be directed to a physical therapist, physician or therapist who can help you handle stress. Dr. Diers will coordinate and supervise every phase of your treatment with everyone involved.

When your TMJ is working properly and you are free from discomfort, Dr. Diers will stabilize this correction. Often this step includes Orthodontic Treatment, but the exact method will depend on your progress to this point.

Oral System Balance

Oral Systemic Balance is a diagnostic and therapeutic system prescribed for the management and control of TMJ and obstructive sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnea.

By evaluating the ease with which the patient performs oral functions such as speech, swallowing, and breathing, a neuromuscular assessment of the patinence of the throat can be determined.  A compromised throat status causes the autonomic nervous system to activate to support the primary function.  This causes head, neck and body compensations, thereby creating autonomic nervous system dysfunction and full body symptoms.

The proper positioning of the jaw and tongue reduces the neuromuscular compensation to proper levels and therefore allows the symptoms to be diminished or eliminated.  This is what allows for dramatic improvement in not only the TMJ symptoms, but also many of the entire body effects.

The evaluation process includes not only a detailed history, but also evaluation of the shape of the jaws and TMJ, the shape of the arch form, and the angle of the teeth.  These factors contribute to the overall tongue positio creating the compensation of the primary oral functions.

The correcting orthotic is specifically and individually designed to restore the proper primary function and is worn on a 24 hour per day basis with minimal interfernce in your daily routine.

The resulting improved sleep patters enhance the patient's overall feeling of wellness, energy and allow for decreased dependency on drugs and bulky external breathing apparatus (CPAP).