Dental appliances aren’t just for teenagers. They’re common in young children too, some to prevent problems and some to treat them. Getting little ones to wear removable appliances can be a challenge, but it’s worth it.
Mouth guards
Recommended by the AAPD and ADA for any sport or active play. We can make a custom guard, or you can buy a “boil-and-bite” guard at a sporting goods store. Similar guards protect children who grind their teeth at night.
Space maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost early to injury or decay, nearby teeth drift into the gap and cause problems for the adult teeth. A fixed spacer (band-and-loop, crown-and-loop or distal shoe) holds the space until the adult tooth is ready; an acrylic tooth can be added for a visible gap. Removable spacers, which work like retainers, are rarely used for young children.
Thumb-sucking appliances
Most kids outgrow thumb sucking, but vigorous sucking after age five or six can narrow the arches and misalign teeth. A palatal crib, a small, barely visible appliance that keeps the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, usually breaks the habit quickly. Removable versions are available.
Expansion appliances
Custom appliances that gently widen the arch to make room for teeth to straighten, correcting overbites and crossbites. Children born with a cleft palate may wear one before surgery.
Bionator
If the jaws aren’t growing in proportion, a bionator positions the lower jaw forward to help teeth come in and line up properly, often reducing the need for extensive orthodontics later.