DR. CHENG LUN WANG, DR. KEVIN LEE, & DR. YAN LIU CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontic Appliances
Expander
The palatal expander is attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands. It is an orthodontic device used to create a wider upper jaw and is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch. When patients are still growing, the connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. Application of outward pressure is able to widen the upper jaw by triggering an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.
Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME)
By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center of the palatal expander, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. The patient is provided with instructions on how many times to turn the screw. When the desired expansion is achieved, in some instances, the appliance will be worn for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Quad Helix
The quad helix applies slow pressure to expand the upper jaw. The pressure is applied through the widening of the appliance by adjusting the wires. The appliance is usually left in place for a while after the desired expansion is achieved and acts as a retainer.
Twin Block
The Twin Block is a two-piece removable appliance that utilizes acrylic blocks formed in conjunction to position the mandible forward and improve forward growth of the lower jaw. The upper and lower pieces of the removable orthodontic appliances fit similarly like retainers but with posterior bite blocks that interlock at 70° angle to advance the mandible and help correct a Class II malocclusion. They achieve rapid functional correction of malocclusion by the transmission of favourable occlusal forces to occlusal inclined planes that cover the posterior teeth. The Twin Block appliance may be designed with a variety of components such as springs and clasps.
Head gear
Headgear is design to encourage orthopedic changes to the upper and lower jaws. As such, for the results to be successful, patient compliance is of the utmost importance. It may take several days to become accustomed to the headgear. With practice, it will become easier to place and remove the headgear. We will determine the length of time you should wear your headgear, which can include wearing while you sleep. We do not ask you to wear the headgear to school or during any sporting activities.
Cervical head gear (cHG)
Cervical headgear is used to help retract or retard the forward growth of the upper jaw and teeth. This type of appliance is referred to as an extra oral appliance because it has a strap that is worn around the neck (cervical area) and is then attached to the braces within the mouth. The headgear applies a constant pressure on the upper teeth and maxilla to help prevent further growth and forward movement of the upper teeth, and to retract the upper molars. This appliance is typically used to help correct a large overjet (commonly referred to as the “overbite”) of the upper teeth.
Occipital head gear (OHG)
Occipital or high pull headgear is very similar to cervical headgear in its mechanism of action. However, compared to cervical headgear in which the neck strap is worn behind the neck, occipital headgear derives its anchorage from the back of the head to produce a distal and superiorly directed force on the upper jaw and its dentition. This version of headgear is used for those individuals who have minimal overlap of the front teeth and where an increase facial height would be undesirable.
Reverse pull head gear (RPHG)
In some cases where an “underbite” is present, with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw, a reverse pull headgear (face mask) may be used as part of the treatment. This appliance is designed to address the size discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward to help correct the malocclusion.
An initial adjustment period is expected when wearing a headgear. However, the mild discomfort quickly dissipates within the first few days of consistent wear. Should the discomfort continue even while following provided instructions, please contact our office, Innova Orthodontics, immediately so that we are able to see you to assess your situation. You should also call if the appliance becomes damaged or broken so that we may be able to repair your headgear.
Biteshelf
This removable appliance is very similar to a traditional retainer in appearance but is designed to disclude or prop-open your bite. It is typically used in situations where the front teeth overlap too much or when we need to teeth not to touch so that we are able to correct a crossbite.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Your treatment may include the use of a temporary anchorage device(s) (i.e. metal screw or plate attached to the bone). These screws are placed into the bone surrounding the teeth and is used to achieve ideal anchorage for improved tooth movement. A topical anesthetic is used during the placement of the TAD and in some instances, a local anesthetic may be required.
Space Maintainers
Upper Holding Arch (Nance Appliance)
An appliance, that is glued into place by using bands on the upper molars, which is used to hold space for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A wire with an acrylic button is ositioned on the palate and prevents the forward movement of the upper molars. The upper primary molars are often larger in width than the permanent premolars that replace them. If a space maintainer is placed before the primary molar teeth fall out, that extra space can be preserved to alleviate a mild to moderate amount of crowding. This appliance is commonly used in cases of premature loss of baby teeth or when the upper teeth of a growing child are slightly crowded and no permanent teeth are extracted to correct the problem. The duration of wear varies. Dr. Cheng Lun Wang, Dr. Kevin Lee or Dr. Yan Liu will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments as needed.
Lower Holding Arch (LHA)
An appliance, that is glued into place by using bands on the lower molars, which is used to hold space for the eruption of the permanent teeth. The lower primary molars are often larger in width than the permanent premolars that replace them. If a space maintainer is placed before the primary molar teeth fall out, that extra space can be preserved to alleviate a mild to moderate amount of crowding. A space maintainer is used to keep the permanent molars from drifting forward and provide extra space for the permanent teeth in the presence of crowding. This appliance is commonly used in cases of premature loss of baby teeth or when the lower teeth of a growing child are slightly crowded, and no permanent teeth are extracted to correct the problem. The duration of wear varies. Dr. Cheng Lun Wang, Dr. Kevin Lee or Dr. Yan Liu will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments as needed. Generally, a holding arch is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Cheng Lun Wang, Dr. Kevin Lee or Dr. Yan Liu will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment or re-crowding of your teeth.
