ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

Functional Appliances are utilized to help the jaws grow properly, improving the bite and minimizing the effects of an overbite. These appliances are cemented to the molars, meaning they are working at all times, and they are typically worn for 12-15 months in growing children and teens who need overbite correction. The two most common forms of these functional appliances are the Herbst appliance and the Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA).

The Herbst appliance is a fixed functional appliance that is made of stainless steel frameworks that connect to the upper and lower teeth and exert a force that encourages a proper bite and corrects existing malocclusions such as an overbite. This appliance uses telescoping pieces of metal that bridge the space between your upper and lower teeth, creating the necessary pressure to realign the bite.

Just like the Herbst appliance, MARA also cements onto the molars, exerting a force on the teeth and jaws that gently and gradually reposition them into their proper alignment. Also made of stainless steel, the only difference between these two appliances is their physical construction and how they connect the upper and lower teeth. When you schedule a consultation with one of our expert orthodontists, they will go over options and determine which appliance will be best for you or your child.

The palate expander is used to widen a narrow upper jaw for correction of a cross-bite or to increase space for teeth where crowding is present. Each expander is custom-made according to your smile and needs.

Affixed to the molars, the appliance has two halves that connect in the middle with a small screw. When this screw is turned with a special key, the device creates tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, gently forcing them to move apart. The expander is adjusted slowly over time until the desired correction is achieved, at which point the device will be left on for a few more short months to allow new bone to form in the gap and stabilize the new expansion.

Palatal expander treatments generally take anywhere from 3 to 6 months total. Your orthodontist will discuss your particular treatment plan with you at your appointment. If your orthodontist determines that a palatal expander is right for you or your child, they will take the time to inform you of proper care and adjustment to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible.

No matter what form of orthodontic treatment you have, you will need to use a retainer after the fact to keep your newly transformed smile in place. After you finish any orthodontic treatment, your teeth will still be prone to shifting after months or years of treatment, and they can easily shift back out of their proper alignment without maintenance. Retainers do all the work to keep your smile intact, starting from the day you finish your orthodontic treatment onward!

Retainers can be removable or fixed, and some patients may even have a combination of the two. Your orthodontist will give you personalized details on the best way to care for your smile and retainer after completing your orthodontic treatment to ensure your smile stays in place.

Worn properly, retainers are the best defense against shifting teeth, letting you keep your straight, beautiful smile for a lifetime! Depending on your individual smile and retainer recommendations, your orthodontist will explain how often your retainer will need to be worn over time.