Types of Appliances

Commonly Used Appliances

There are various types of removable dental appliances that support the treatment of crooked teeth or misaligned jaws. Listed below are a few of the most popular ones.

Bionator

A bionator is an appliance that encourages lower jaw growth. It fits over the top and bottom teeth and puts pressure on the lower jaw in a forward position.

Guards

Mouth guards are removable, plastic appliances that fit over the teeth to protect them during sports. They also protect the tongue and jaw and can prevent head injuries such as concussions.

Another form of a mouth guard is that of a night guard (or splint). While sleeping, some people have a tendency to grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. A night guard can be worn to reduce the grinding damage.

Habit Crib

A thumb appliance, known as a habit crib, can be worn to curb the thumb-sucking habit in small children. The appliance makes it difficult to keep the thumb in the mouth.

Headgear

Headgear consists of removable appliances generally worn at night or during sleep that treats overjet and overbite and restricts upper jaw growth. It generally consists of a facebow that attaches to the teeth along with a strap that fits around the head or neck.

Retainers

After braces are removed, the teeth still have the tendency to move around a bit as a natural part of the growth process. Retainers are removable appliances that are used to prevent this kind of shifting. A removable retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth and holds them in their positions.

Space Maintainers

A wire or piece of plastic connected to the teeth serves to preserve or create space for other teeth where a tooth has fallen out. These appliances prevent future crowding or misalignment.