Orthodontic Appliances

Rapid Palatal Expander

Example of Rapid Palatal ExpanderAttached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.

When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.

PowerScope

PowerScope is a wire-to-wire device used in class II corrections that delivers ultimate patient comfort, eliminates the need for headgear tubes and can be used with either banded or bonded molar tubes. It is simple, efficient and designed with your comfort in mind.

Distal Jet

Example of Distal JetThe Distal Jet Appliance is a non-removable lingual appliance that is used to move upper teeth backward faster and more predictably than headgear. The Distal Jet distalizes molars and corrects teeth that have rotated. This appliance corrects class II problems.

The Distal Jet Appliance uses a solid track wire and two sets of locking screws on each side. The appliance is self-limiting by design because it has a distal stop attached to the tracking wire. The Distal Jet can be converted to a Nance Appliance by tightening the distal and anterior locks against the track wire and adding a Nance holding arch.

Bionator

A bionator appliance is a removable appliance used to stimulate growth changes in the lower jaw that cannot be accomplished with braces. This appliance works naturally, activating the appliance each time the patient talks, swallows and open and closes their mouth. So it constantly exerts light pressure on the dental arches and teeth moving the jaws into their proper place.

Bite Plate

In situations where the teeth overlap to such a degree that the edges of the lower front teeth actually bite into the hard palate, orthodontists recommend the bite plate appliance, a removable device that looks like a conventional retainer in most cases. A bite plate appliance is worn full-time (except when eating and brushing) for six months to a year.

Correcting a deep bite as early as possible will favorably affect long-term stability and eliminate unnecessary pain, discomfort, ulcers, etc. When growth is modified while a person is still growing, the change becomes more permanent. One of the first things to relapse in a finished orthodontic case is the overbite. Thus, correcting a severe overbite is one of the first important corrections that needs to be made while growth is still occurring.

Nance Appliance

Example Nance ApplianceThe Nance Appliance is used to prevent upper molars from rotating or moving forward after you’ve worn a headgear or any other appliance to move your molars back. Some patients wear the Nance Appliance while they are awaiting their bicuspids to grow into place.

This appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the first molars and a wire spans the roof of the mouth from one molar to the other. An acrylic pad or “button” covers the wire that touches the roof of your mouth directly behind your front teeth.

Patients should always brush around the bands daily. Do not eat sticky, chewy candy as it can loosen your appliance. If you have any problems with your Nance Appliance, please call our office immediately.