Functional Appliances
Correcting Bite Issues with Functional Appliances
At Bright Healthy Smiles, we understand that every child’s orthodontic needs are unique. That’s why we offer a wide variety of functional appliances designed to help correct bite issues and encourage proper jaw growth. Whether your child has an overbite or underbite, we have the right treatment to ensure a healthier, more balanced smile.
Overjet (commonly referred to colloquially as “Overbite”) Correction
One of the most common bite issues we treat is an increased overjet, where the upper teeth extend significantly further forward than the lower teeth. This often happens when the lower jaw is underdeveloped compared to the upper jaw. If your child has this condition, we offer several treatment options, depending on the severity of the issue.
For mild cases, we may start with simple elastics to guide the teeth into better alignment. However, for more significant cases, we use the Herbst Appliance, which is highly effective for promoting forward positioning of the lower jaw. The Herbst Appliance is ideal for growing children, as it encourages the jaw to move into a more balanced position, improving both the alignment of the teeth, the overall bite, and the facial profile. This treatment helps maximize the growth potential of the lower jaw, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy, functional teeth.
Underbite Correction
For children with an underbite, where the lower jaw is positioned ahead of the upper jaw, we offer Reverse Pull Headgear, or a Facemask, which gently guides the upper jaw forward. This treatment is particularly effective in younger patients whose jaws are still growing and developing. By using this appliance, we can promote proper jaw alignment, allowing the upper and lower jaws to develop harmoniously, preventing more complex treatment in the future.
Why Early Treatment Matters
The key to successful orthodontic treatment lies in early intervention. By addressing bite issues and jaw growth patterns early in your child’s development, we can help correct problems while they are still growing, often making later treatments quicker and more effective. Using functional appliances when indicated allows us to guide your child’s growth in a natural, comfortable way, setting the foundation for a beautiful, well-aligned smile.
At Bright Healthy Smiles, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care with the most advanced orthodontic treatments available. Whether your child is dealing with an overbite, underbite, or another bite issue, we are here to guide them every step of the way.
Let’s work together to help your child achieve their healthiest, happiest smile!
Disclaimer: The use of this website does not constitute the beginning of a patient doctor relationship. All descriptions are for information purpose only