Palatal Expander
Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen 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, the connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. Activating the expander with a special key causes gradual outward pressure 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.
Herbst
One of the most common problems treated by orthodontists is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth. Although when we see a person whose upper teeth are protruding, we tend to think the upper teeth and jaw are too far forward, many times the lower jaw is actually too far back. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth. The Herbst appliance is used to help this happen.
Forsus Corrector
The Forsus Corrector is a spring-activated appliance that is attached to the braces on each side of the mouth. This appliance helps with the correction of upper protrusion by moving the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward.
Distal Jet
The Distal Jet appliance is a non-removable lingual appliance that is used to move upper teeth backward faster and more predictably than headgear. The Distal Jet both moves molars back and corrects teeth that have rotated.
Tongue Thrust Appliance
Tongue thrusting occurs when a person presses his or her tongue against the front teeth, usually when swallowing, speaking or resting the tongue. If thrusting is consistent, it can cause problems with teeth alignment and must be fixed.
We correct tongue thrusting by giving patients a tongue thrusting appliance. This appliance is fixed behind the upper front teeth and has a metal screen which helps keep the tongue from thrusting against these teeth.
Thumb/Finger Appliance
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually stop thumb sucking between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Thumb sucking that persists after the front baby teeth are lost can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth.
One solution to thumb sucking is a fixed palatal crib. This appliance is put behind the child's upper front teeth and usually stops the thumb sucking habit within a few days.
Quad Helix
The Quad Helix is a fixed orthodontic appliance used for upper arch expansion. Bands are cemented to the back molars to keep the appliance in place while four helix springs help widen the arch. This appliance is ideal for patients with crowding in the upper arch or to correct a posterior crossbite.
Hygiene Note
It is important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen while wearing any orthodontic appliance. Patients should brush around and under the appliance and also floss and rinse thoroughly to remove any food particles.