Appliance Therapy in Anaheim

Appliance therapy is a vital part of orthodontics, addressing a variety of structural and developmental issues in the mouth and jaw. In Anaheim, appliance therapy is used to correct bite problems, aid in jaw development, and prepare the mouth for further orthodontic treatment. These appliances, each with its specific function, are essential tools in creating a healthy, functional, and attractive smile.

Understanding appliance therapy

Orthodontic appliance therapy involves various devices designed to correct dental and facial irregularities. These appliances can be fixed or removable and are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic treatments. The right appliance can make a significant difference in the treatment outcome, whether it's guiding jaw growth, adjusting the bite, or aligning teeth.

Common orthodontic appliances

RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)
Used to widen the upper jaw to eliminate a crossbite and create space for crowded teeth. The device is gradually adjusted to apply gentle pressure on the upper jaw, encouraging it to widen over time.
Biteplate Helps to correct a deep bite and reduce the height of the bite to allow for proper growth and alignment. It prevents the back teeth from touching, allowing the front teeth and jaw to grow down and align properly.
Lingual holding arch
Prevents back teeth from moving forward and maintains space for permanent teeth. It's a fixed appliance attached to the lower molars, serving as an anchor to stabilize the teeth as the jaw grows and changes.
Tongue thrust appliances
Addresses the habit of tongue thrusting that can lead to or exacerbate orthodontic problems. These appliances are usually placed on the upper teeth and make it uncomfortable to continue the tongue thrust habit, thus encouraging the tongue to rest in the correct position.
Headgear Aids in correcting severe bite discrepancies by exerting pressure to move the teeth and jaws. Attached to braces or other dental devices, headgear is typically worn for a few hours each day to apply the necessary pressure externally.
Facemask Often used in growing children to correct underbites by encouraging forward growth of the upper jaw. Similar to headgear, a facemask is worn outside the mouth and applies forward-directed pressure to the upper jaw, aiding in the correction of underbites and promoting proper facial structure development.