Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the palate (upper arch). It is one of the most common appliance used in orthodontics. Arch expansion helps in widening the arch which will help in correcting cross bite, alleviate crowding, and is used in particularly young and growing patients. The expander is attached to the upper or lower arch by bands around the first permanent molars and it is cemented to the teeth so patients cannot remove it. We will demonstrate how to activate the screw using the key and the key is provided to the parents so they can turn the appliance at home. At the time of appliance delivery, Dr. Jacob will decide the number and amount of turns based on patients age and treatment needs.
What can I expect during the first couple of days?
Initial there is a mild discomfort when the appliance is placed and most of our patients report just a few days to get adjusted to the appliance. During the first days of turning the appliance, patients will feel pressure on their teeth, roof of the mouth, and sometimes around the nose. Your child may find speaking or eating difficult at first as the tongue and mouth gets adjusted to the appliance. It is also completely normal for a gap to appear between the upper front teeth. This means that the appliance is working to get the desired effect.
How long does the appliance stay in the mouth?
Once the desired expansion is achieved, we leave the expander in the mouth from 6 months -1 year. We recommend minimum of 6 months to prevent any treatment relapse.
When is palatal expander recommended?
If you heard your orthodontist or dentist say that your child has a cross bite then a palatal expander is recommended to expand the upper jaw. A palatal expander is also used in problems such as narrow arch, mild to moderate dental crowding, underbite, and some cases of sleep disordered breathing.
Herbst Appliance
Herbst appliance is a popular functional orthopedic appliance that is used in correcting jaw discrepancies in growing patients. They are primarily used in patients with a deficient jaw. This appliance is fixed to the teeth and is working 24 hours to maximize jaw growth.
How does the appliance look?
The appliance is comprised of custom fabricated high grade stainless steel framework that is connected to the permanent first molars in the upper and lower arch. The designs of Herbst appliance may vary between patients based on their treatment needs. However, most commonly you will see an expander in the upper arch and a lower lingual holding arch in the lower arch. The upper and lower appliance is connected by telescoping mechanism that will aid in class II correction. Overtime, as patient opens and closes the mouth, the appliance will exert pressure on the upper and lower jaw, which will help in jaw alignment thus correcting the bite.
What can I expect after the appliance is cemented?
We have noticed that most patients take up to 7 days to get used to the appliance. Initially, patients will feel the bite is different. Patients may have sores in mouth, most commonly where the appliance rest agains the cheeks and lips. However, most patients adapt fairly quickly. With time, patients will notice their bite changing and teeth adapt into a normal occlusion.
How long do they stay in the mouth?
They are mostly recommended to be in mouth along with your braces between 9-12 months. The time interval is dependent on how severe your childs bite is. Dr. Jacob will ensure the bands are not loose and functioning properly during regular adjustment appointments. Every 2-3 months, Dr.Jacob will also activate the appliance by adding shims to the telescoping tubes.
Do I experience discomfort with the appliance?
Just like your braces, there will be minor discomfort until your mouth adjusts. Most patients feel better within a week following which you should be able to speak and eat without any discomfort. If there is any emergency appointment such as loose bands, we are here to help. Please call our emergency number and we will be right there to help.
Reverse Pull Headgears
The facemask appliance, also known as reverse pull headgear, is a type of growth modification appliance. Its primary use is for children that have deficient upper jaw growth that has resulted in an underbite.
The orthodontic appliance runs across the roof of the mouth and attaches to rubber bands that extend forward out of the mouth and attach to the part that rests on the face. Typically facemasks are worn in the evenings and while the patient is asleep. If worn consistently, a gentle force from the rubber bands pulls the upper jaw and teeth forward to a more balanced and functional position. Facemasks are generally well received by children and comfortable. Occasionally the felt pads may need to be replaced to provide additional cushion on the chin or forehead.
FORSUS
At Smile City Orthodontics, Dr.Jacob offers FORSUS appliance to fix your Childs teeth. This type of treatment is used if patient struggles with a severe overjet or for patients who may not prefer elastics. The Forsus appliance is non-removable and functions similar to an elastic. They are usually recommended to promote growth of the lower jaw, eliminates severe overjet, overbite, and improves the bite. This type of treatment is usually advised when the child is still growing and thus potentially eliminating jaw surgery in the future.
How does the FORSUS appliance look?
The appliance consists of a metal spring that is attached to the upper molar bands and connects to the lower wire. The springs are on each side of the mouth and they are compressed springs which will move your jaw to a forward position thus improving your bite.
How long do they stay in the mouth?
They are mostly recommended to be in mouth along with your braces between 9-12 months. The time interval is dependent on how severe your Childs bite is. Dr.Jacob will ensure the springs are not loose and functioning properly during regular adjustment appointments.
Do I experience discomfort with the appliance?
Just like your braces, there will be minor discomfort until your mouth adjusts. Most patients feel better within a week following which you should be able to speak and eat without any discomfort. If there is any emergency appointment such as loose springs, we are here to help. Please call our emergency number and we will be right there to help.
