APPLIANCES

Orthodontists often have to deal with a problem that is caused by the upper teeth protruding beyond the lower teeth. The common conception is that the upper teeth are too far forward, but many times, the lower jaw just doesn’t stick out enough. The Herbst appliance helps encourage a patient’s lower jaw to catch up in terms of growth.

Initially, a Herbst appliance can make speaking awkward and your mouth feel full. Sometimes you might produce more saliva than usual, but this generally goes away with time. Ordinary speech should return quickly, as well.

The Forsus appliance is used to move the lower arch forward and push the upper molars back. This spring coil-contraption is used in conjunction with braces, running from your first upper molar to the archwire below.

Initial discomfort is not uncommon. A soft food diet right after the appliance is fixed in place is the best option. Keeping the Forsus appliance clean is crucial, meaning you should brush the coil/other metal pieces.

Sometimes a patient’s upper jaw is too narrow, or the upper teeth are too crowded, and that’s where the Rapid Palatal Expander comes in. This orthodontic device creates more space for the upper jaw.  The device places gradual outward pressure on the upper jaw which leads to increased bone growth and increased width.

Babies and toddlers use sucking to comfort themselves. Most children stop sucking their thumbs at an appropriate age, but sometimes the habit can persist. Thumb sucking can cause significant problems with the growth of the mouth and alignment of teeth if it doesn’t stop at the appropriate time. A fixed palatal crib is an appliance inserted behind the upper teeth. Stainless steel wires that prevent the child from touching the gum behind their front teeth help deter the bad habit.