Our orthodontist provides our patients with orthodontic appliances in Minnesota. Orthodontic appliances treat and correct many dental problems. If needed, Dr. Joseph Basile will thoroughly review what orthodontic appliances options are best suited for your treatment. To accommodate a variety of orthodontic needs, we offer the following appliances:
- Habit Appliance: this appliance is used to help your child stop a harmful habit, such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or tongue thrusting.
- Holding Arches or Space Maintainers: a holding arch, also known as a space maintainer, does exactly as the name implies–it holds your teeth in place. Holding arches are usually made by fitting bands around 6-year-old molars. An impression is then taken to properly fit a wire around the back of your teeth. This attaches to the bands on your molars. On the lower holding arch, the wire fits very closely to the back of your teeth. On the upper holding arch, the wire fits next to the roof of your mouth. A small circular piece of plastic completes the upper holding arch. Holding arches are usually not visible to others.
- Headgear: an external device typically worn 8-12 hours each day and exerts a certain amount of pressure to help guide both the position of the teeth and growth of the jaw. Headgear requires an adjustment period, and it is most comfortable when worn consistently after the initial break-in period.
- Palatal Expander: an appliance used to widen the upper jaw. It corrects narrow upper jaw structures and crossbites. When used alone or with a protraction facemask, the expander covers many of the back teeth.
- Distal Jet: this appliance is cemented to the upper teeth, using the roof of your mouth as an anchor to move your upper teeth back and create more space. It is typically worn for three to six months and is often used as a substitute for headgear. You may experience sensitivity for three to four days and a period of adjustment when chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Some patients may need over-the-counter medications if discomfort is present.
- Forsus: this is a fixed appliance that is used when the upper teeth and jaw protrude forward. It has a similar function as a headgear but requires less patient compliance.
- Bionator: this is a device that helps both jaws grow in proportion to one another. A bionator keeps the upper and lower jaws forward and helps teeth to properly erupt, leading to a more natural and correct bite relationship.
- Orthognathic Surgery: a surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon. Orthognathic surgery corrects serious growth discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws in non-growing, skeletally mature patients. This type of surgery may be performed on one or both jaws, depending upon the particular skeletal discrepancy. In conjunction with an oral surgeon, our orthodontist determines the appropriate treatment plan. Braces are worn both prior to and after orthognathic surgery.
- Retainer: an appliance used at the end of orthodontic treatment. There are several different kinds of retainers; some look like a clear mouthguard and others have a wire in front of the teeth. Retainers may be removable or bonded to the back side of the front teeth. They are an essential part of orthodontic treatment, as they help keep the correction from moving after the actual movement is complete.
Please call 952-447-6088 to schedule an appointment at our Prior Lake office. We are here to help you learn more about how orthodontic appliances may benefit you.