Orthodontic Appliances

Patient receiving their Invisalign box and treatment plan at a dental clinic.

Orthodontic Appliance

A child or an adult may need an orthodontic appliance for several reasons related to jaw growth and dental development. The goal is not only aesthetic; it is primarily to ensure proper function and harmonious facial growth.

An appliance may be recommended to:

  • Correct jaw discrepancies (front–back, vertical, or width-related)
  • Guide bone growth when it is not developing evenly
  • Create the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt
  • Prevent future complications, such as impacted teeth, severe crowding, or the need for surgery in adulthood
  • Improve breathing, chewing, or swallowing, when these functions influence facial development
  • Stabilize the bite to ensure long-term alignment

In many cases, early intervention allows us to use the child’s natural growth as an advantage, making treatments simpler, more effective, and often shorter.

The Two Main Phases in Orthodontics

In orthodontics, treatment is generally divided into two major phases.

Phase 1: The Preparatory Phase

Phase 1 takes place during the child’s active bone growth period. Its purpose is not to align the teeth aesthetically, but rather to prepare the skeletal foundations so that Phase 2 can achieve precise and stable alignment.

This phase helps to:

  • guide the growth of the upper and lower jaws
  • correct discrepancies in front–back, vertical, or transverse dimensions
  • create a favorable environment for permanent teeth to erupt
  • ensure long-term stability of the bite

 

In other words, Phase 1 sets the stage so that Phase 2 can align the teeth perfectly and achieve a stable occlusion over time.

What Types of Appliances Are Used?

There are more than twenty types of appliances, both fixed and removable, that can be used to treat children depending on their specific needs.

During your consultation, we will take the time to:

  • present the different appliances available
  • explain how each one works
  • determine which option is best suited for your child’s situation

 

Each appliance serves a specific purpose, and our goal is to select the most appropriate solution to support optimal growth.