The Palatal Expander is an orthopedic appliance designed to widen your upper jaw by gently separating the bones of the palate. It works best in teenagers younger than 15 years old, because below this age, the bones of the upper jaw are still pliable. The palatal expander consists of a screw that is attached to the teeth by means of bands that go around your teeth. The expander is activated by turning the screw with a key. As the upper jaw is widened, a space may develop between the front teeth. This space will generally close by itself within a month. Once expansion is completed, the expander will remain in the mouth for approximately three months to stabilize before being removed.
It takes a few days to get used to the expander. Initially there will be some lisping but within a week your speech will be back to normal. Until you get used to eating with your expansion appliance, eat plenty of soft foods. Pain is rarely experienced, but you may feel the initial pressure on your teeth, in the middle of your palate, and your cheeks. Sometimes patients may experience a slight headache. You can take over the counter pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. As with any orthodontic appliance, remember to stay away from hard sticky foods that can break and pull apart your appliance. Be sure to brush all parts of your expansion appliance as well as your teeth.
The Carriere Distalizer is a newer orthodontic device developed to correct a malposed bite without removing permanent teeth. It has a dental effect similar to a headgear (pushing upper teeth back to correct the bite) but, without the obvious cooperation problems. The distalizers do not work by themselves and the patient must place the elastics on them. This is markedly easier and less of a cosmetic problem, then wearing a headgear.
Braces are placed on the lower teeth to create an anchor unit, which the elastics can pull against.
The lower lingual holding arch is a holding appliance. It prevents the permanent molars from shifting forward allowing crowded teeth to spread out. It remains in place until permanent teeth begin erupting.
Two bands are cemented to two lower molars. Attached to the bands is a U-shaped bar. The patient may experience slight discomfort when first placed. Whatever household pain reliever you prefer, may be used to remedy these situations.
The Nance Holding Arch (“Nance button”) consists of two bands around the back teeth and an acrylic button that covers part of your anterior palate. The Nance button can be used as a space maintainer, in cases in which the baby teeth have been lost prematurely, and the first molars need to be prevented from coming forward. The Nance holding arch is also used for additional support to help drive back the anterior teeth, after the back teeth have been actively driven back with the Spring Jet appliance.
This appliance causes little discomfort and has little effect on the speech. Please stay away from hard sticky food that can break and pull apart your appliance. As with any orthodontic appliances, you should brush all parts of your appliance as well as your teeth.
Herbst is a fixed functional appliance used in young patients whose lower teeth and jaw are too far back. The Herbst works by incrementally advancing your lower jaw to promote natural growth.
Initially your upper and lower teeth may not touch when you close your mouth and you may experience some tenderness. It may take a few weeks to become adjusted to it, and in the beginning we suggest a soft food diet. If you experience irritation on your cheeks or lips, wax can be applied to the area for temporary relief.
Brushing may seem more difficult at first but you need to make a special effort to keep your teeth clean. You must brush after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Depending on the amount of bite correction needed, the Herbst appliance is normally worn for 8-12 months months.
The MARA appliance is used in growing patients in their teenage years to help incrementally promote growth of the jaw and favorably position posterior teeth. Like the Herbst appliance it is used in conjunction with full braces and the time frame of treatment is similar. The MARA tends to be used in smaller mouths.
A Pendex appliance usually has several uses. A Pendex appliance is used to help push molars backward toward the rear of the mouth. This creates space to move crowded front teeth into the correct position and aids in aligning the posterior teeth. A Pendex can also be used, at the same time, to widen the palate, much like a rapid palatal expander (RPE). Again, these appliances are used in patients who are early to mid teenagers when the bones are pliable.
Hawley retainers are used following the removal of braces. They aid in allowing the teeth to settle into their new position in the jaw. They consist of wire and acrylic and come in a multitude of colors and designs. They are custom made for each patient following the removal of the braces.
Essix retainers are clear retainers that are worn following the removal of the braces. They are popular because they are nearly invisible and are very durable. They are custom made for each patient following the removal of the braces.
A bonded retainer consists of a braided wire that is glued to the
backside of the lower anterior teeth. It is used in place of a removable
retainer and is placed following the removal of one’s braces. They are
popular because one does not have to remember to put a retainer in the
mouth.
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12350 Industry Way, Suite 205
Anchorage, Alaska 97000 | 907-277-0502
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