Orthodontic Appliances

Tongue Thrusting Appliance

A tongue thrusting appliance is used to correct tongue thrusting, which occurs when the tongue is pressed against or between the front teeth when swallowing, speaking or resting. If thrusting is constant, this can cause the teeth to protrude, spaces between the teeth, and separation between the upper and lower teeth when biting (open-bite).

Thumb/Finger Appliance

Sucking is a natural activity which relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth, misalignment of the teeth and a tongue thrust. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.

One solution to thumb sucking is an appliance called a "fixed palatal crib." This painless appliance is put on the child's upper teeth by an orthodontist. The crib consists of two stainless steel bands attached to the upper molars, and an attached wire that sits on the roof of the mouth, behind the child’s upper front teeth. The crib normally stops the thumb-sucking habit within the first week of placement.

Headgear/Facemask

Headgear

Headgear is a removable appliance often used to correct an excessive overjet, or forward position of the upper teeth in relationship to the lower teeth. This is done by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw to correct the discrepancy. The severity of the problem determines the length of time headgear needs to be worn. The key to success with your headgear appliance is consistency. Headgear must be worn 12 hours per day to work effectively and efficiently.

Headgear should never be worn while playing sports and should also be removed while eating or brushing your teeth.

Facemask

A facemask (also known as reverse-pull headgear) is a removable appliance for patients who have a problem with crossbite or underbite because their upper jaw is not growing sufficiently to keep pace with the lower jaw. The appliance is designed with a metal frame attached to pads on the forehead and chin. Rubber bands attach the metal frame to the upper teeth. The upper jaw is gradually “pulled” forward. Patient compliance is extremely important, as the facemask must be worn for 12 hours per day, and is generally worn for 6-12 months.

A facemask should never be worn while playing sports and should also be removed while eating or brushing your teeth.

Nance Appliance

The Nance Appliance is used to prevent upper molars from rotating or moving forward in order to preserve space for the eruption of permanent teeth.

The appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the first molars and a wire spans the roof of the mouth from one molar to the other. An acrylic pad or “button” covers the wire that touches the roof of your mouth directly behind your front teeth.

Patients should always brush around the bands daily. Do not eat sticky, chewy candy as it can loosen your appliance.

Lip Bumpers

A lip bumper is an appliance used for the purpose of creating more room for crowded lower teeth. The lip bumper consists of a wire on the lower jaw that extends from one molar to another and keeps lips and cheeks from touching your teeth. When you move your mouth, your lips and cheeks push on the bumper, and the bumper applies pressure to the teeth. This pressure pushes the molars back, and allows the front teeth to move forward, creating more space for overcrowded teeth.

Interproximal Recontouring

Interproximal recontouring is a procedure in which the sides of your teeth are sculpted and reshaped in order to make space for alignment, increase stability and avoid permanent teeth extraction.

The procedure is safe and effective, does not increase sensitivity or vulnerability to cavities, and requires no anesthetic injections.

Elastics

Elastics are tiny rubber bands that are connected from braces on the upper teeth to braces on the lower teeth. In many patients, elastics are essential for creating a healthy, stable bite, or for closing spaces. Elastics are worn 24/7, unless otherwise prescribed, to ensure appliances are removed as soon as possible.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is placed in patients whose upper jaw is too narrow relative to the lower jaw. The narrow upper jaw causes the upper teeth to sit on top of or inside the lower teeth (crossbite), instead of outside the lower teeth. An expander consists of stainless steel bands placed on the upper teeth, connected to a metal expansion screw that sits just below the roof of the mouth. At home, the expander is activated by turning the screw with a key in tiny increments over a number of days, and is then left in place for a period of time. The expander is painless, although patients may experience a mild pressure sensation that lasts for a few minutes after turning the key. An expander may also be used to create more space.