Orthodontic Appliances
Articles on palatal expanders, functional appliances, headgear, mini-screws, elastics and the care of orthodontic appliances.
MARPE, SARPE and Conventional Palatal Expansion: What Are the Differences?
To widen a narrow upper jaw, conventional expanders can be used in children, and mini-screw-assisted MARPE or surgically assisted SARPE in adults. The differences between the methods.
How Is MARPE Treatment Done? Step-by-Step Process, Duration and Recovery
MARPE is a method that aims to expand the upper jaw in adults with support from mini-screws placed in the palate. The process step by step, from planning to removal of the appliance.
What Is an Orthodontic Mini-Screw (TAD)? What Does It Do and Does It Hurt?
Mini-screws are small screws placed temporarily in the bone to provide a stable anchorage point for moving teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Tongue Thrust Habit and the Tongue Crib Appliance
Pushing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing can contribute to an open bite. Tongue crib appliances help to break this habit.
Cleaning and Caring for Orthodontic Appliances: A Guide for Removable and Fixed Appliances
Keeping appliances clean affects both oral health and the progress of treatment. How are removable and fixed appliances cleaned, and what should be avoided?
Palatal Expansion in Adults: MARPE and Surgically Assisted Expansion
In people who have finished growing, a narrow upper jaw can be widened with appliances anchored on mini-screws (MARPE) or with surgical assistance. The options and the process.
How Do You Wear Orthodontic Elastics? How Many Hours a Day and How Often to Change Them?
Orthodontic elastics correct the bite by applying force between the upper and lower teeth. How are they worn with braces and clear aligners, and when should they be changed?
What Is a Face Mask (Reverse-Pull Headgear)? Its Use for a Retruded Upper Jaw
A face mask is an extraoral appliance that rests on the forehead and chin and is used in children with a retruded upper jaw to guide the upper jaw forward.
What Is a Quad Helix? A Fixed Expansion Appliance for Crossbite
A quad helix is a wire appliance with four coils that is fixed to the upper molars. It is used to widen the upper dental arch and correct a crossbite.
What Is Headgear (Extraoral Appliance)? What Does It Do and How Long Is It Worn?
Headgear is an extraoral orthodontic appliance that applies force to the upper molars or the upper jaw through a strap worn on the head or the back of the neck.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances for Children: How Are They Used and How Long Are They Worn?
Removable plates are appliances that can be put in and taken out, used in children to move teeth, widen the palate or break habits.
What Is a Herbst Appliance? Lower Jaw Advancement with a Fixed Functional Appliance
The Herbst appliance is a fixed functional appliance that holds the lower jaw forward continuously in teenagers with a retruded lower jaw. Because it is not taken out, it depends less on patient compliance.