Does your child need braces but is too young for orthodontic treatment? We provide orthodontic appliances in Mt. Airy, MD, to support the braces process. Orthodontic appliances for pediatric patients help give them enough space in their mouths to develop a proper bite. These appliances also help prepare children for orthodontic treatment and can prevent problems like overcrowding or shifting teeth. We welcome parents to learn about the orthodontic appliances we offer for younger dental patients before and after orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Appliances in Mt. Airy, MD
Early orthodontic treatment can prevent future problems. Using oral appliances helps prepare patients for treatment later on and can maintain their results. We will often recommend orthodontic appliances for younger patients to address a variety of conditions:
Baby Teeth
The Band and Loop (B&L) orthodontic appliance holds space for primary or baby teeth in the back of the mouth. This appliance is a space maintainer made of a band over a back tooth and a loop over the space where the baby tooth will emerge. Space maintainers prevent the baby teeth from drifting and can also prevent tooth impaction.
Overcrowding
A Nance and lower lingual arch can also maintain space. The lower lingual arch consists of metal bands that wrap around the back molars and a wire that runs along the inside of the lower teeth. A Nance keeps the upper molars in place with bands wrapping around the molars connected to an acrylic piece on the roof of the mouth. These appliances keep the molars from shifting and overcrowding the smile.
Narrow Palate
Patients around 7 or 8 benefit from a palatal expander if their palate is narrow. The palate is the roof of the mouth and helps in functions such as breathing, swallowing, eating, and speaking. A narrow palate can create problems like impacted or overcrowded teeth. Palatal expanders consist of metal bands surrounding two of the teeth in the back of the mouth. Using the metal screw that connects the bands at the top of the mouth, you can gradually widen the palate.
Shifting Teeth
We recommend retainers for patients following orthodontic treatment. Retainers keep teeth in the same position and prevent problems like orthodontic relapse. Orthodontic relapse occurs when teeth begin to shift out of position after braces or Invisalign treatment. A retainer can be a fitted plastic mouthguard or metal and acrylic appliances that hold teeth in place. Patients will begin wearing their retainers during the day and will eventually only need to wear retainers at night.
Does your child have crooked or overcrowded teeth? Prevent future dental problems like gum disease or trouble chewing with orthodontic appliances. Call Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Association today at (301) 781-5337. You can also make a dental appointment with Dr. David Hasson online.