Orthodontic Appliances

A very frequent orthodontic problem is an overbite caused by a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be. The Herbst appliance is an orthodontic device that promotes lower jaw growth to correct bite issues. It is attached to the teeth using cemented bands and typically requires minimal maintenance or adjustments. Depending on case severity, an orthodontic visit may be necessary for adjustments. Patients see rapid results and enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw.

While it is still very easy for the mouth to open and close, the Herbst device prevents the lower jaw from moving backward. The cemented bands are used to attach the appliance to the back molars of the upper and lower jaw. Initially, biting and chewing may feel strange or uncomfortable but the feelings will subside as the mouth and jaw become used to the appliance.

A lower lingual archwire is commonly used as a space maintainer because it maintains the position of the molars while adult teeth are erupting in the lower arch. This appliance promotes better tooth movement control, preserves the molars, and corrects harmful or uncomfortable movement of the molars. Speech can be affected after application but typically returns to normal within days or weeks as the mouth becomes accustomed to wearing the appliance. It is best to avoid overtly sticky foods while wearing a lower lingual arch as it can become dislodged or removed. An LLAA is composed of stainless steel bands that are placed around the molars and wiring along the inner surfaces of the teeth.

The Nance is a fixed appliance commonly used to anchor the molars into their final position and prevent them from drifting after they have been moved by other appliances, in particular headgears. The Nance is positioned across the roof of the mouth with bands placed on the posterior two molars of the upper jaw. Wires are connected to the inside of the bands and an acrylic pad will be placed in the center of the wire that fits against the roof of the mouth. The Nance appliance is worn for several months while the other teeth are being moved to their correct position.

Prolonged thumb sucking can have serious consequences on teeth alignment. The most popular method for discouraging thumb sucking is an appliance called the Palatal Crib. Molar bands are attached to a small cage positioned behind the upper front teeth; this cage serves as an “obstacle” and causes discomfort to remind patients not to place their finger or thumb in their mouth. This appliance is safe for use on younger patients and is a common choice for parents trying to break their child’s thumb-sucking habit. Schedule an appointment at our Davie, Plantation, or Tamarac location to discuss your child’s treatment options.