Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley CA
Orthodontics can do much more than straighten teeth using braces or clear aligner therapy. Here at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we practice functional orthodontics. This method of treatment can guide teeth into their preferred alignment just as traditional orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign. However, functional orthodontics also can improve the alignment of the jaws and also encourage ideal facial development. One of the ways we accomplish these goals is through the use of an orthodontic growth appliance. Today on the blog, we dig into this topic in greater detail by exploring the benefits of this treatment.
How does a growth appliance work?
Most orthodontic growth appliances appear nearly identical to a retainer. When worn, this appliance encourages proper growth of the jaws–meaning that they develop a wider shape, which fosters the development of wider dental arches and a rounder facial structure. The growth appliance exerts light force to guide the jaws into their preferred direction. Each case varies but, generally speaking, a course of treatment with an orthodontic growth appliance lasts between six and nine months.
Why choose growth appliance therapy?
- Minimally invasive – Because the growth appliance is so similar to a retainer, it can be worn overnight with no issue, although you may experience some slight discomfort when first getting used to it.
- Low maintenance – A growth appliance is easy to care for. You should remove and rinse it after every meal and clean it once a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush, warm water and a mild soap.
- An expanded palate – Wider dental arches mean an expanded palate, meaning your mouth has more room to accommodate the tongue. An expanded palate also widens nasal passages, which encourages nasal breathing, which is more beneficial to both oral and overall health.
- Improved resting posture – Treatment with an orthodontic growth appliance encourages the optimum resting oral posture. This means, when your child is not eating or speaking, their mouth is at rest with lips closed, teeth closed and the tongue resting gently against the roof of the mouth.
What conditions can an orthodontic growth appliance treat?
- Orthodontic intervention, to address alignment issues with emerging permanent teeth
- Resolving obstructive sleep apnea in children
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Improving the function of the tongue
- Stabilizing your child’s bite
We may also prescribe the use of an orthodontic growth appliance after performing a laser frenectomy to remove a tongue tie or lip tie. For infants and young children, the consequences of living with a restricted frenum may include issues with emergence of baby teeth from the gum line or hindered development of the face and jaws. An orthodontic growth appliance can serve as a means of intervention to correct these issues before they become greatly problematic.
Functional orthodontics in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Los Gatos in California
Whereas orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligner therapy typically cannot begin until a child reaches adolescence, your child can begin using an orthodontic growth appliance when as young as five years old. If your child is dealing with any of the conditions listed in this article, schedule a consultation today to learn if one of these growth appliances can help. Just call us at (831) 438-4411 or visit us online.
