Appliances For Braces
There are many different types of orthodontic appliances that can be used to align teeth, alter jaw placement, or improve bite function. Devices like space maintainers or palate expanders might be used before a child has braces to correct structural issues before tooth alignment issues. Retainers are commonly used after braces to help the newly aligned teeth stay in place.
If your child needs an orthodontic appliance, we can custom-fit the device and monitor your child’s progress over time.
Expanders for Braces
Teeth aren’t the only part of the mouth that can cause orthodontic issues. Patients who have a narrow palate (upper jaw) can have bite problems, speech difficulties, or other concerns. If your child has a narrow palate, an expander might be used to widen the base of their jaw and correct these issues.
An expander is an H-shaped metal appliance that expands the palate with gentle outward pressure. Expanders are typically worn for several months. Because they are installed across the inside of the mouth, they are not noticeable.
Space Maintainers
If your child loses a tooth prematurely, their mouth will try to adapt to the missing space. This means that other teeth might shift to fill the gap. Space maintainers are small appliances that orthodontists use to keep a missing space in a person’s mouth. Space maintenance will prevent teeth from moving out of alignment and can help your child’s adult teeth develop in the correct positions.
There are fixed and removable space maintainers available. Ask your nearest orthodontist in Spring, Tx which type is best for your child.