Orthodontic Appliances

Headgear

Headgear is often used to correct an excessive overbite and overjet. This is done by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw, which would hold the teeth in position or help move them into better positions. 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 a certain number of hours per day, and if not, it must be made up the following day.

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

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Removable Appliances

Removable appliances can sometimes correct tooth position and in some cases can influence the growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure. In addition, they are sometimes used before and in conjunction with fixed appliances

There are a limited number of conditions that will respond favorably to removable appliances. In most cases, fixed appliances such as braces are more comfortable, and can achieve better results in less time

Because the patient can easily take out removable appliances, there may be a tendency not to wear them as we have prescribed. This means your teeth, jaws and muscles may move back toward their original positions and treatment progress will be hindered.

Removable appliances require care. Although you may notice an effect on eating and speaking along with an increase in the flow of saliva, you will eventually adjust to the appliance.

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Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE) & Lower Lingual Arch

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)

Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.

When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width. Using this appliance while a child is still growing allows changes to be made to the upper jaw that would normally require jaw surgery in an adult.

Lower Lingual Arch

A Lower Lingual Arch acts as a space maintainer to keep the molars from drifting forward, and prevent them from blocking the space where permanent teeth will eventually erupt. This appliance is commonly used in cases of premature loss of baby tooth or when the lower teeth of a growing child are slightly crowded and no permanent teeth are extracted to correct the problem.

You should expect soreness the first day or two, and it may hurt to chew. We recommend a soft diet initially. You may take ibuprofen or acetominophen to relieve the pain. Avoid sticky or hard foods, and please monitor how many foods you eat that are high in sugar.

Brushing and flossing daily is very important. Be sure to clean around the bands that are connected to the molars and the wire on the tongue side. This will prevent the formation of cavities or infection of the gums.

The duration of wear varies. We will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments. Generally, the Lower Lingual Arch is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.

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Bionator & Twin Block Appliance

Bionator

A bionator appliance is a removable appliance used to take advantage of a patient's natural jaw growth to correct certain overbite problems. This appliance works naturally, activating the appliance each time the patient talks, swallows and open and closes their mouth. So it is constantly exerts light pressure on the dental arches and teeth moving the jaws into their proper place.

Twin Block Appliance

The Twin Block functional appliance is designed to correct jaw positioning, so that the bite is properly aligned. It consists of an upper and lower plate, which work together to pull the lower jaw forward. While this appliance is suitable for patients of all ages, it is generally used during Phase 1 of orthodontic treatment, to treat children who have an underdeveloped jaw. To ensure treatment progresses as planned, the appliance should be worn at all times. It should only be removed for cleaning and during sport activities. Patients may experience temporary discomfort and difficulty speaking the first few days of wear. We will provide specific instructions for activating the screw. Patients should follow instructions carefully to ensure effective results are achieved within the least amount of time.

Both, the Bionator and Twin Block appliances must be worn 24 hours each day except for eating and sports. When not being worn the appliances must be kept in a carrying case. Speech will be affected for four to seven days and will return to normal with consistent wear. Patients must learn to speak with teeth together holding the appliance in place. Appliances should not flop in and out during speech. Salivary flow will increase at first and return to normal within a week. The appliance should be cleaned with warm water and toothpaste as often as the patient brushes their teeth (two to three times each day). Soaking in a denture cleaner may also be considered. The appliance may have a tendency to fall out during sleep for the first few weeks until muscle patterns adapt to the appliance and jaw position. Please look for the appliance upon waking. Leave the appliance in your classroom and do not take it to the cafeteria in order to avoid loss or breakage.

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Schwartz & Sagittal Appliance

Schwartz Appliance

The Schwartz Appliance is a removable expansion appliance primarily used on the lower arch in order to expand the arch and create needed additional space for the permanent teeth. Treatment time in the Schwartz Appliance is approximately nine months, but will vary based on individual needs of the patient. If both the upper and lower arches require expansion, we may use the Schwartz along with a Rapid Palatal Expander in order to coordinate the expansion of both arches.

Sagittal Appliance

The Sagittal appliance is a removable appliance used to expand the upper jaw. Made of acrylic and metal, the appliance fits comfortably in the roof of your mouth. To activate the expansion of the jaw, a small screw built into the appliance will be turned over a period of time. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions as to how and when the screw should be turned.

Both the Schwartz and Sagittal appliances should be worn 24 hours each day, removing it for brushing, sports and swimming. When not being worn keep the appliance in its carrying case. Speech will be affected for approximately four to seven days and will return to normal very quickly. Additional Saliva may also be noticed. Cleaning with toothpaste daily and or denture cleaner twice a week is acceptable. If any discomfort is noticed, please call our office.

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