Orthodontic Appliances in Lanham, MD

In orthodontics, we use a variety of appliances to align and straighten teeth, adjust the bite, and improve overall oral health. Each appliance has a different purpose, so the treatment plan for your child or teen may include one or more of the following:

• Bite plate: A fixed appliance worn for up to four months to protect lower braces and reduce bite depth. In short, the bite plate allows molars and bone to grow while holding the front teeth in position. Eating while wearing a bite plate takes some getting used to, but it’s worth it for the results at treatment completion. Download our bite plate information page here.
• Elastics: Rubber bands, AKA elastics or ligatures, create gentle forces to move teeth in a specific direction, with the goal of correcting bite issues. Kids can choose from many colors of elastics when we change them out at adjustment visits. Download our elastics/rubber bands instructions here.
• Forsus springs: Formally known as Forsus Fatigue Resistance Device, or FRD, Forsus springs are fixed appliances worn for a few months to correct an overbite. Download our Forsus springs information page here.
• Headgear: Headgear features a head cap attached to a wire device, and it’s worn outside the mouth. Used with braces in some cases, headgear helps direct the growth of the jaw and correct bite issues. Download our headgear information page here.
• MARA/Herbst appliances: A Herbst appliance addresses overbites by directing the lower jaw to grow outward. The device itself features metal rods that we attach to bands on the molars. The MARA appliance is less bulky and more comfortable. Its metal rods have elbow joints. Since MARA can be worn in conjunction with braces, it can reduce treatment time. Download our MARA/Herbst appliances information page here.
• Retainers: Worn after braces are removed, orthodontic retainers maintain teeth alignment. We may suggest a removable or fixed retainer. You’ll also be advised of how often your child should wear their retainer and for how long. Download our retainers information page here.
• Reverse pull headgear: This device is similar to standard headgear, but instead of directing the lower jaw to grow outward, it directs the upper jaw to grow outward. This can correct an underbite and may eliminate the need for surgical intervention later in life. Download our reverse pull headgear information page here.
• RPE (Rapid palatal expander): The RPE expands jaw width, guiding growth outward on both sides of the jaw. This can correct crossbite or crowding issues. RPEs feature a key that adjusts the expansion. Download our RPE information page here.

DID YOU KNOW?

Braces aren’t just for straightening your child’s teeth, they can also be used to alleviate several problems, including difficulty speaking, breathing issues, and difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Getting Started with Orthodontic Appliances in Lanham

If your child is ready to get started with orthodontic therapy, visit Smiles Pediatric Dental Care today for a Free Orthodontic Consultation with our team. We can’t wait to meet you and your child.