Nance Holding Arch | Lingual Arch | Thumb/Tongue Crib
Herbst Appliance/AdvanSync | Protraction Facemask
Nance Holding Arch
The Nance Holding Arch is a plastic button that is used to prevent upper molars from moving forward after you have worn headgear or any other appliance to move your molars back. It is attached to the back molar teeth by heavy wires. Some patients wear the Nance Appliance while they are waiting for their bicuspids to grow into place.
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Lingual Arch
A Lower Lingual Arch acts as a space maintainer to keep the molars from drifting forward, and prevent them from blocking the space where permanent teeth will eventually erupt. 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. It can also be used as an anchor for using rubber bands during treatment, as well as a retainer while we are waiting for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt.
The duration of wear varies. We will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments. Generally, the Lower Lingual Arch is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.
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Thumb/Tongue Crib
A thumb or tongue crib is used to deter thumb sucking and tongue thrusting which are harmful oral habits. The thumb crib is made up of semicircular stainless steel wires that fit directly behind the front teeth. This wire helps keep the tongue from thrusting between the front teeth when swallowing and keeps the thumb from entering the mouth – which can cause an openbite.
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Herbst Appliance
One of the most common problems orthodontists are asked to treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; but, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is farther back than it should be.
The Herbst appliance is used to correct large overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to grow in a forward direction by moving the jaw forward and holding it in that position for up to 18 months.It is cemented to the back upper and lower first molars and can work in conjunction with braces.
Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily. Patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.
At first, your mouth will feel unusually full and speaking will be awkward. But if you practice reading aloud, your ordinary speech will return quickly. You may also notice more saliva than normal, but this will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance. It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort and soreness around the teeth and cheeks. We recommend rinsing with warm salt water and using an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to relieve any soreness.
Your Herbst appliance will be checked and adjusted at your appointments. If sometimes between appointments you develop some sore areas on the inside of your cheeks, please do not try to adjust the appliance yourself. Call for an appointment and let Dr. Igel make the necessary adjustments.
AdvanSync
The AdvanSync Class II Molar-to-Molar appliance is the latest alternative to wearing headgear. It is the first of its kind that can simultaneously correct class II malocclusions (overbites) and the position of the jaw. This modified version of the Herbst appliance has reduced the necessity of two-phase treatment for many patients and provides optimal results in only six to 12 months.
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Protraction Facemask
A Protraction Facemask, also known as reverse-pull headgear, is a removable appliance that is used move the upper teeth and jaw forward. It is used in children who have an underbite – which occurs when the upper jaw does not grow as fast as the lower jaw.
This appliance consists of a metal bar attached to pads on the forehead and chin with rubber bands hooked to the facemask. Rubber bands are hooked to the facemask to gradually move the upper jaw forward. The facemask is usually worn a set number of hours per day for six to 12 months.
For the best results, patient cooperation and compliance is extremely important.
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