Growth Modification
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Bionator
The Bionator is a removable appliance designed to guide the growth of the lower jaw and improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws. It helps correct overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward while ensuring that the teeth grow into their correct positions. Patients typically wear the Bionator during both day and night, though it can be removed for eating and cleaning. Over time, this appliance can improve the patient’s profile and bite without the need for more invasive treatments.
MARA Appliance
MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is a non-removable appliance that encourages the growth of the lower jaw to help correct severe overbites and minimize the need for extractions or orthognathic surgery.
Twin Block Appliance
The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Facemask
A facemask is an appliance used to treat underbites by encouraging forward growth of the upper jaw. This appliance is typically worn in growing children and adolescents to correct the alignment between the upper and lower jaws. It consists of a frame that rests on the forehead and chin, with elastic bands attached to braces or other appliances in the mouth. By pulling the upper jaw forward, the facemask helps create a more balanced bite and improves facial aesthetics.
