Orthodontic appliances have a variety of uses. They’re effective for facilitating more efficient tooth movement, holding space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow, and/or helping to support proper growth and development of the jaw bones.
Palatal expanders are a common appliance used in early orthodontic treatment for children whose jaw bones are still developing. These appliances serve to widen the upper jaw to create the necessary space for teeth to erupt in a healthy alignment. Palatal expanders can help prevent crowding and impaction by guiding proper development of the jaw bone.
The rapid palatal expander (the most common type of palatal expander) is bonded to the upper molars on both sides of the top jaw, with a screw located in the center of the appliance. To activate the palatal expander, you’ll insert a special key to turn the center screw, which expands the device ever so slightly and widens the palate gradually over time.
If your child requires a palatal expander, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cleaning it, activating it and caring for it.
Spacers, also called separators, are small rubber bands that help to create the space necessary for bands of appliances to be placed. A metal band is placed around the back molars to anchor the arch wires in place. In cases where the molars are too close together to allow these metal bands to be placed, separators may be used.
Separators are temporary appliances that are only worn for about one to two weeks before active treatment begins.
The transpalatal arch (TPA) is used to hold the upper molars in place, to prevent them from rotating or shifting forward. With this appliance, two metal bands are cemented around the first molars and a wire connects the back molars. It is typically worn until most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
The lower lingual holding arch is a space maintainer that uses metal bands around the two lower molars, with a metal wire spanning from the molars, around the inside of the bottom teeth. Used to hold the necessary space in the mouth for premolars to grow, the lower lingual arch appliance establishes the proper foundation that shapes the lower arch in a healthy alignment.
W-arch appliances are a type of expander that widens the upper jaw with metal bands around the top molars and active arms lining the inside of the upper teeth. These appliances are fixed (glued in), and they are effective for treating crossbites and crowding.
The PowerScope treats overbites by promoting a healthy alignment between the upper and lower teeth.
This appliance uses springs to apply persistent pressure on the upper and lower teeth and create resistance, shifting the upper teeth backward and the lower teeth forward. Once the appliance is in place, it takes the place of rubber bands.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of personalized care – in a relaxing and positive environment. We bring you a blend of the latest and most efficient orthodontic technology in the area.
385 Pineda Ct, Ste 100
Melbourne, FL 32940
270 N Sykes Creek Pkwy, Ste 104
Merritt Island FL 32953
5500 Stadium Pkwy, Ste 200
Viera, FL 32940
385 Pineda Ct, Ste 100
Melbourne, FL 32940
270 N Sykes Creek Pkwy, Ste 104
Merritt Island, FL 32953
5500 Stadium Pkwy, Ste 200
Viera, FL 32940
