Though many parents think of “teenagers” when presented with the term “dental appliances,” the use of such appliances in young children is very common.  Some dental appliances may be recommended for preventative purposes, while others may be recommended for treatment purposes.

Children are excellent patients.  These appliances can prevent injury to the teeth and may also reduce the need for extensive treatment later.

What types of pediatric dental appliance are most common?

There are many types of pediatric dental appliances – each one fulfilling a different dental function.  The major categories of pediatric dental appliance are described below:

Mouth Guards

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that children wear mouth guards when engaging in any potentially injurious activity, including sporting and recreational endeavors.

The pediatric dentist can craft a customized mouth guard for the child, or a thermoplastic “boil-and-bite” mouth guard can be purchased at a sporting goods store.  Similar mouth guards are used for children who “brux” or grind their teeth at night.

Thumb Sucking Appliances

The majority of children naturally outgrow their thumb-sucking habit.  However, children who continue to thumb suck after the age of five or six (especially vigorously) risk oral complications.  These complications include: narrowed arches, impacted teeth, and misaligned teeth.  A fixed reminder appliance and a child that wants to stop his or her digit habit will make quick work of thumb sucking.

A reminder appliance helps a patient remember not to use his or her thumb or finger.  It prevents the thumb or finger from reaching the "sweet spot".  This helps a willing patient eliminate this destructive and sometimes embarrassing habit quickly and forever.

Expansion Appliances

Expansion appliances are primarily used to correct posterior crossbite.  An overbite, where the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth, can also be corrected with an expansion appliance.  The expansion appliance is used to stretch and widen the arch, allowing the lower jaw to come forward.  Expansion appliances are custom-made and custom-design.  The upper appliance is usually affixed to the teeth.  The lower appliance is usually a removable appliance

If you have questions or concerns about dental appliances, please contact Dr. Maxwell.