Orthodontic Appliance One of the primary tasks of an orthodontist is to address issues related to malocclusions. Malocclusion is a fancy term for “bad bite.” To correct bite issues, orthodontists use orthodontic appliances (devices) to widen the jaw, make space in the mouth, and move teeth into optimal positions. One such appliance is the fixed pendulum appliance (FPA). What Does a Pendulum Appliance Treat? A pendulum orthodontic appliance helps to create more room in a patient’s mouth by widening the upper jaw and shifting a patient’s top molars back to provide more room for crowded teeth to move into alignment.…
What Is a Nance Arch? Orthodontists use a variety of specialized appliances to treat specific orthodontic issues. Some of these appliances—such as the Nance holding arch—are used to preserve space in the dental arches. The dental arch is the curved structure that contains teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Every human has two dental arches—an upper arch and a lower arch. The Nance Holding Arch is a space maintainer used in the upper jaw. The device itself is comprised of a few parts, which include: Two stainless steel rings (called bands) that are fixed to the upper 6-year molars with orthodontic…
Quad Helix Appliance The definition of quad helix appliance is an orthodontic appliance that is used to gently and gradually widen a patient’s jaw. This type of device falls under the category of palatal expander. Because the quad helix expander is used on the upper teeth/jaw, it may also be called a maxillary expander. Maxillary is the term used when referring to the upper jaw. When referring to the lower jaw, the term mandibular would be used. The quad helix appliance can be removable, but it is usually bonded to the teeth with orthodontic cement. The appliance consists of stainless-steel…
What is a Lower Lingual Holding Arch? A lower lingual holding arch is an orthodontic appliance that helps to maintain space in the mouth. A less technical term would be space maintainer. When the terms are broken down individually, the meaning and use of the appliance become clearer. Lower means that the device is attached to the lower (or bottom) teeth. With this appliance, two stainless steel rings (called bands) are affixed to the first molars. A stainless steel wire then runs along the inside of the lower teeth to connect the bands. Lingual is the medical term for the…
How to Fix Crowded Teeth Crowded teeth are a common problem for children, teens, and adults. Fortunately, dental crowding (also known as overcrowding) can be fixed with orthodontic treatment from the doctors at Burke & Redford Orthodontists. In this article, we’ll discuss: Levels of teeth crowding Causes of teeth crowding Problems caused by crowded teeth Wisdom teeth crowding Orthodontic treatment options for crowded teeth Levels of Teeth Crowding Orthodontists determine the level of dental crowding in two different ways. The first method is to count how many teeth are affected by crowding and end up being rotated as a result.…
What Is Your Child’s Smile Worth? The value of a great smile today is nearly immeasurable. A smile can tell a lot about a person, with children and teenagers being no exception. It is never too early to start thinking about planning for the future when it comes to the best orthodontic outcome for your child. Social Benefits of Straight Teeth The benefits of having a great smile are numerous. Teens who feel confident in their appearance are likely to have an easier time navigating social constructs. With the rise in social media apps where photos are posted and shared…
The term “malocclusion” is often used by orthodontists and dentists. In its simplest form, the term means “bad bite.” The word derives from the Latin term for bad (“mal”) and the root word “occlusion.” In dentistry, occlusion refers to how the teeth fit together when the jaws are closed. In other words, occlusion means “bite.” Burke & Redford Orthodontists treat many different types of bite problems using a wide variety of orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at two types of malocclusions caused by the misalignment of the jaw.…
Braces are a Popular Choice Today, over 4 million Americans are wearing braces. That is certainly a lot of beautiful smiles in the making. Orthodontic treatment is a popular choice for kids and teens worldwide. Braces do a fantastic job correcting problems with tooth alignment and crowding, as well as addressing issues with a person’s bite. Nearly 80% of the 4.8 million Americans wearing braces are children and teens. The average age for a child to get braces is between the ages of 9 and 14. According to statistics, 25% to 50% of children require orthodontic treatment at some point…