Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances are essential for achieving a healthy, properly aligned smile. They help address various alignment and bite issues and are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Here’s an overview of some common appliances we use.

Palatal Expander

A Palatal Expander is often used during early interceptive (Phase I) treatment but may also be part of comprehensive care. This device is cemented to the upper molars and is designed to gradually widen the upper jaw, especially when:

• The upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw.
• The upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.

For growing patients, the bones and connective tissue in the upper jaw are still responsive to expansion. Using a special key, we activate the expander over the course of 2-6 weeks, applying gradual pressure to widen the upper jaw and promote new bone growth.

Oral Care Tip: Use a Proxabrush (provided by our office) along with your regular toothbrush to flush under the expander with warm water for effective cleaning.

Mini-Herbst Appliance

The Mini-Herbst Appliance is highly effective for correcting overjet (when the upper front teeth extend too far beyond the lower front teeth). This appliance uses a telescoping rod and tube mechanism to:

• Move the lower jaw forward to encourage growth.
• Apply pressure to the upper teeth and jaw to shift them back.

Although the Mini-Herbst may look like a lot at first glance, it’s hidden inside the mouth and feels similar to braces. Most patients adapt within a few days. It’s typically worn for 8 to 12 months, with adjustments every 4-10 weeks.

• Faster and more predictable results than removable appliances like headgear.
• Continuous wear eliminates the need for patient compliance.
• It can reduce overall treatment time for bite correction.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small, screw-like dental devices made of titanium alloy. They act as fixed points to help guide tooth movement and are removed once treatment is complete.

TADs offer several benefits, including:

• Space closure for missing teeth or dental implants.
• Bite corrections for overbites, underbites, deep bites, or open bites.
• Reduced need for elastics (rubber bands).
• Shortened treatment times.
• Potentially avoiding jaw (orthognathic) surgery for complex cases.

TADs are especially useful for more complex orthodontic cases and help achieve results that may not have been possible with traditional methods.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Curious if one of these appliances might be part of your treatment plan? Schedule a complimentary consultation with our team at Mountain View Orthodontics to learn more about your personalized options.