Choose: Thumb Habit Corrector • Headgear • Palatal Expander
Thumb Habit Corrector
How does the thumb sucking habit affect the teeth? The front teeth (upper incisors) are moved forward and frequently, the lower teeth moved backward. In addition, the normal position of the upper lip and the general profile of the child are often changed.
When should you begin breaking the thumb sucking habit? Attention may be given to breaking the habit as early as four years of age. Failure to stop thumb sucking at a reasonable age can result in improper development and positioning of your child’s teeth and jaws.
The habit corrector appliance will inhibit the thumb or finger from touching the roof of the mouth, which will stop the sucking from occurring.
The corrector is cemented to the upper first molars until the habit is broken. There is little to no discomfort in wearing this appliance.
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Headgear
Headgear is used to hold or move teeth as a whole segment instead of individually. It consists of placing bands (metal rings) around the upper six year molars to act as anchors into which the headgear fits or attaches to.
It is very diverse in its function for correcting malocclusions. By using your head or neck as an anchor, the strap or elastic bands produce a steady pressure that gradually aligns the jaws.
The headgear can work by slowing the growth of one jaw, allowing the other jaw time to catch up. It can work by pulling teeth back or forward.
Steady pressure is the key to successful headgear treatment. The more you wear your headgear, the shorter your treatment time will be. Dr. Lewis will recommend the correct number of hours. Usually it is worn 14 to 16 hours a day. If it is not worn enough one day, the time must be made up the next day. The headgear should never be worn during any active sports or activity such as playing ball, swimming, tennis or dancing. Remove it for eating and cleaning.
Always be careful in placing and removing it.
Dr. Lewis and his staff will provide you with the necessary for the proper care and use of the headgear.
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Palatal Expander
The palatal expander is used to gently separate the bony suture in the roof of your mouth to widen your palate. The palate is joined in the center by a suture, or joint, which allows it to be painlessly separated and spread, Once this occurs the two halves will grow back together as new bone is laid down to make the jaw wider.
Occasionally during expansion, a space will appear between the two front teeth, this is normal. This space is usually advantageous in helping to correct any crowding that may exist. Any spaces that remain will be closed with the braces. The expander also by widening the palate can help in the correction of posterior crossbites.
When the appliance is placed Dr. Lewis and his staff will show you how to adjust the appliance at home. Below is a video to help you visualize how the appliance is turned.
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