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Pediatric Dental Appliances

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ORAL HEALTHCARE FOR KIDS

dental appliances for CHILDREN in Levelland

Dental appliances are commonly used in young children, not just teenagers. These appliances serve both preventative and treatment purposes, helping to avoid future dental issues. While encouraging children to wear removable appliances can be challenging, they can play a vital role in protecting teeth and reducing the need for more extensive treatments later on.

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There are various types of pediatric dental appliances, each designed to address specific dental needs. Here are some of the most common:

Mouth guards

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend mouth guards for children participating in potentially dangerous activities like sports and recreation. A pediatric dentist can create a custom mouth guard, or a thermoplastic “boil-and-bite” version can be purchased. These are also used to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) at night.

Space maintainers

When a primary (baby) tooth is lost prematurely due to injury or decay, space maintainers help prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting and causing alignment problems for permanent teeth. There are two main types:

    Fixed Space Maintainers These are metal appliances that remain in place until the permanent tooth erupts. Types include “band and loop,” “crown and loop,” and “distal shoe” spacers.
    Removable Space Maintainers Less commonly used, these work like retainers to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth.

Thumb sucking appliances

Though most children outgrow thumb sucking, those who continue after age five or six may develop oral issues, such as narrowed arches or misaligned teeth. The "palatal crib" appliance is designed to stop thumb sucking by blocking the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, reducing the habit. These can be fixed or removable, depending on the child’s needs and willingness.

Expansion appliances

For issues like overbites or crossbites, expansion appliances are used to widen the dental arch, creating enough room for teeth to align properly. These custom-made appliances can be attached to the inside or outside of the teeth and may be necessary for children with cleft palates in preparation for surgery.

Bionator

A bionator device is used when a child’s upper and lower jaws are not growing in proportion. It positions the lower jaw forward, helping teeth to erupt and align correctly, reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatments in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about pediatric dental appliances, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatric dentist.

Dare to have the smile you've always wanted. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, quality dental care that you deserve.

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Dare to have the smile you've always wanted. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, quality dental care that you deserve.

Navigation

LEGAL PAGES

Created by DearDoc.

Dr. Richard McCasland © All Rights Reserved