Types of Braces | Dentofacial Orthopedics | Brace Painter | Braces Diagram

Dentofacial Orthopedics

Dentofacial orthopedics is what sets an orthodontic specialist apart from other practitioners in the dental field. Upon completion of dental school a few dentists choose to specialize in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. To have the credentials of a specialist, these dentists must complete a 2 to 3 year residency. After residency, an orthodontist’s entire practice is focused on orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic therapies.

You probably already know that orthodontists straighten teeth, but what is dentofacial orthopedic therapy? These therapies address skeletal imbalances of the face and jaws. Normalizing a child’s jaw growth is the purpose of first phase dentofacial orthopedic treatments. First phase treatment is normally followed by second phase orthodontic treatment to correct the dental aspects of dental malocclusion or “bad bite”.

Bionator

Frankel

These appliances are in a category of removable orthopedic functional appliances that are used for persons with underdeveloped lower jaws. These appliances encourage growth of the lower jaw thereby improving the patient’s skeletal balance and facial profile. These appliances are used mostly for younger, growing children around the ages of 8 to 11 years of age and must be worn full time for approximately 12 months. It is important to note that the patient must be highly motivated to wear these types of appliances since they can be removed by the patient.

Herbst® Appliance

This appliance is used for persons with an underdeveloped lower jaw or excessive protrusion of the upper teeth (“bucked teeth”). The Herbst appliance encourages growth of the lower jaw thereby eliminating the patient’s overbite. This appliance is bonded onto the first permanent molars and not removable by the patient. This appliance is used mostly for growing patients and is worn for about 12 months.

Mara Another style of an orthopedic functional appliance that works like the Herbst appliance is the Mara. This appliance also reduces overbite by encouraging growth of the lower jaw forward. This fixed appliance is also used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12 months. Mara Occlusal

Mara Side View

3M Unitek “Forsus” Bite Correctors

Like the Herbst, this appliance is used for persons with an underdeveloped lower jaw or excessive protrusion of the upper teeth (“bucked teeth”). Bite correctors are used in conjunction with regular braces and usually need less time for correction.

Bite Corrector

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander “expands” (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Uhde 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.

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