This is a fixed lower appliance used to preserve space in the dental arch. This will usually be placed before all permanent teeth have erupted.
Nance Arch
This is a fixed type of space maintainer used in the upper dental arch. It’s main job is to preserve space in the dental arch and is usually used after a pendulum appliance.
Banded Expander
These are traditionally known as expanders and there are two main types, banded and bonded. Their purpose is to expand the upper jaw (younger patients) or to expand the upper dental arch (older patients).
Bonded Expander
These are traditionally known as expanders and there are two main types, banded and bonded. Their purpose is the expand the upper jaw (younger patients) or to expand the upper dental arch (older patients). Different situations require different types of expansion.
Quad-Helix Appliance
This is a mild type of expander, also used to retain expansion accomplished with one of the standard expansion appliances.
This is a special type of device that can expand the upper jaw and move the upper back teeth (one or both sides) backward at the same time. This can be useful to correct bites or to make space.
Herbst Appliance
This is a fixed device that holds the lower jaw forward and helps to correct horizontal overbite in moderate/severe cases. It is typically worn for a period of 6-12 months and can be very effective for solving this type of problem.
Carriere Distalizer
This is a device that is used to correct horizontal overbite in conjunction with elastic wear. It is often used in cases where a moderate overbite needs to be corrected prior to Invisalign or braces to straighten teeth.
Habit Appliance
This fixed device is used to help patients stop chronic thumb or finger sucking habits. It works by interrupting the habit routine and will be successful about 90% of the time. If this is not successful, other devices can be used to help discourage a chronic habit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Appliances
What does a Lower Lingual Holding Arch do for my child?
A Lower Lingual Holding Arch is a small, fixed appliance that sits along the inside of the lower teeth and is used to preserve space in the lower dental arch before all permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Ryan Redford, at Burke & Redford Orthodontists, often use this appliance in kids and younger teens who have lost baby teeth early or who are at risk for crowding, so that the permanent teeth have room to come in properly. It helps reduce the chance that more complex treatment will be needed later.
How does a Nance Arch help kids and teens, and when is it recommended?
A Nance Arch is a fixed upper space maintainer that uses bands on the molars and an acrylic button on the palate to hold the back teeth in place and maintain space in the upper arch. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke, at Burke & Redford Orthodontists, typically use a Nance Arch after a Pendulum Appliance has moved upper molars backward, or when a child or teenager needs space preserved for future tooth movement. It is especially helpful for children who are still growing and have a mix of baby and permanent teeth.
What is the difference between a banded expander and a bonded expander?
Both Banded Expanders and Bonded Expanders are types of palatal expanders used to widen the upper jaw in younger patients or to widen the upper dental arch in older patients. A Banded Expander attaches to the upper molars with metal bands, while a Bonded Expander is built into an acrylic bite block that is bonded over several back teeth. At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, Dr. Ryan Redford chooses between banded and bonded designs based on the child’s age, mix of baby and adult teeth, and whether an anterior crossbite or crowding needs to be “unlocked” while the jaw is gently widened.
When would my child or teenager need a Quad-Helix Appliance?
A Quad-Helix Appliance is a lighter type of expander that can provide mild expansion and can also help maintain expansion that has already been achieved with a standard expander. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke may recommend a Quad-Helix for a child or teen who needs small adjustments to the upper arch width or who has already completed palatal expansion and now needs that correction held in place while other orthodontic work continues. It is often a good choice for kids who need fine-tuning rather than a full expansion phase.
How is a Pendulum Appliance used in treatment at Burke & Redford Orthodontists?
A Pendulum Appliance is a special device that can both expand the upper jaw and move the upper back teeth backward on one or both sides at the same time. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke, at Burke & Redford Orthodontists, use the Pendulum Appliance for children and teens when they need to create space, correct bite relationships, or move molars into a better position before braces or aligners. This appliance is often followed by a Nance Arch or other orthodontic appliances to maintain the improvement and continue treatment efficiently.
What is a Herbst Appliance and how does it help with overbite in kids and teens?
The Herbst Appliance is a fixed device that holds the lower jaw forward to help correct a horizontal overbite in moderate to severe cases. It is typically worn for about 6 to 12 months and is very effective in growing children and teenagers whose jaws are still developing. Dr. Ryan Redford uses the Herbst Appliance to guide jaw growth so that the upper and lower teeth fit together better, often followed by braces or clear aligners to perfect the smile once the bite is improved.
How does a Carriere Distalizer fit into treatment before braces or Invisalign for my teen?
A Carriere Distalizer is a sleek appliance that helps correct a horizontal overbite by gently moving the upper back teeth backward, usually in combination with elastic wear. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke often place a Carriere Distalizer at the beginning of treatment so that once the bite is corrected, braces or Invisalign can be used more effectively to straighten the teeth. This approach can be especially appealing to teens and older kids who want a streamlined path to alignment with fewer total steps.
What does a Habit Appliance do for children who suck their thumb or fingers?
A Habit Appliance is a fixed device designed to help kids stop chronic thumb or finger sucking by gently interrupting the habit when the child tries to place the thumb or finger in the usual position. It does not hurt; instead, it breaks the automatic pattern that can be hard for a child to stop on their own. The appliance is successful in the majority of cases. Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke, at Burke & Redford Orthodontists, use Habit Appliances when long-standing habits are affecting a child’s bite or jaw growth, often as part of a broader plan that also includes positive reinforcement and, when needed, later orthodontic treatment.