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Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic Appliances

Oral appliances are the hallmark of orthodontic treatment. Whether you need to straighten your teeth, expand your dental ridge, or realign your bite, there’s an orthodontic appliance that can do the job. Duval Orthodontics in Warner Robins, and Albany, Georgia, offers a wide array of state-of-the-art orthodontic appliances to help its patients improve their smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that’s concerned with the proper alignment of your teeth and bite. Orthodontics makes use of oral appliances that are either temporarily or permanently affixed in your mouth. These appliances exert a small, but constant amount of pressure on your teeth or jaw, gradually moving them into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing alignment.
The benefits of orthodontics are numerous. A properly aligned smile is easier to keep clean, thereby reducing your risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. And when your teeth and jaw are in proper alignment, the force of your bite is evenly distributed, which protects you from excessive wear and tear on your teeth and developing TMJ disorder. Straight teeth and an even bite are also more aesthetically pleasing, giving you pride in your smile and the confidence to share it with the world.
Duval Orthodontics offers a variety of orthodontic appliances to help its patients improve their smiles, including:

Expander

A palatal expander is used to make more room in your upper jaw. The appliance is secured to your upper molars and goes along the roof of your mouth. You or your orthodontist periodically adjust it so that it gently pushes against your upper molars. Over the course of several months, the small, yet constant pressure that the appliance exerts gradually expands the width of your upper jaw.

Tongue crib

A tongue crib is an orthodontic appliance that can help patients who thrust their tongue or suck their thumb finally kick their bad habit. Tongue cribs look similar to retainers, but they have a cage that sits directly behind the front teeth. This cage prevents the tongue from pushing too far forward or impedes a thumb from being placed in the mouth.

Herbst

A Herbst is a fixed oral appliance that’s used to treat malocclusions or improperly aligned bites. In the past, malocclusions used to be treated with headgear, which was obtrusive and unsightly. A Herbst, on the other hand, fits entirely in your mouth. It’s secured in place by orthodontic bands that are placed around the first molars and gently guides your jaw into a better position with a series of stainless steel levers and arms.