These are used for correction of crossbites in the front teeth.  A Z-spring is placed behind the tooth in crossbite. Periodic adjustment of the spring will help guide the tooth into proper position. They are removable and therefore the child can easily brush and floss their teeth.

The Lower Lingual Holding Arch Appliance is used to stabilize the position of the lower molars and anterior incisors after early loss of primary teeth.

The transpalatal bar / Nance is a metal bar attached to the palate side of the upper first molar bands, and form-fitted along the roof of the mouth, and it has an acrylic button for stabilization.  We commonly use this appliance for patients who have early loss of primary teeth.

The Halterman is an add-on component to aid the eruption of an impacted tooth. It is typically used with a lower lingual arch or an upper Nance appliance. The bar is laser welded to the lingual or buccal side of the band.

MEA (Maxillary Expansion Appliance) or Palatal Expander is done when the upper jaw is too narrow relative to the lower jaw leading to a posterior crossbite. Maxillary expansion is used to correct crossbites and also will create more space for crowded teeth. The expander appliance is attached to the molar teeth and is usually worn for 4-6 months.  The appliance is widened by placing a key into the appliance and turned once per day. The expansion is monitored every 2-3 weeks to make sure the expansion is progressing properly. After the expansion is complete the expander is typically left in place for 12 weeks for the palatal bones to heal and stabilize.

The Blue Grass Appliance is a counter-conditioning device that is particularly useful in the mixed dentition stage of development to correct an oral habit.  A teflon roller is placed in the most superior aspect of the palate. When patients try to suck their thumbs or fingers, the roller prevents them from experiencing the satisfaction of suckling. Instead, their tongue spins the roller.

The Hawley appliance is one of the oldest types of retainers used post-treatment. A removable item, it's made of a combination of acrylic and metal that is molded custom to fit your mouth. As you've probably seen, the wires sit against the six front teeth with loops near the canines that allow for minor adjustments as the teeth settle into place.

Premature tooth loss means there will be extra space in the teeth. As your child waits for his or her new tooth to grow, the other teeth tend to move and close the space from early loss of a tooth.  Before the new molar erupts, Band and Loop spacers preserve the teeth’s proper alignment, while making sure the new tooth will erupt in its proper position.  A stainless steel band is placed temporarily around a distal molar, with a stainless steel wire that loops out to extend to the second primary molar, leaving a space between them for the premolar eruption.

The purpose of placing Separators is to create temporary space between your teeth so that orthodontic appliances can be placed on your teeth.