Orthodontist Serving Newbury Park & Thousand Oaks, CA
Newbury Orthodontics offers quality orthodontic treatment for kids, teens and adults in the Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks areas. Our orthodontist, Dr. Hoffman, is dedicated to helping all his patients achieve and maintain beautiful and healthy smiles. He works closely with his experienced orthodontic team to ensure that all our patients receive treatment in a very welcoming and comfortable environment. Continue reading to learn about the variety orthodontic appliances we utilize to effectively treat the most common, and rare, orthodontic problems.
Tongue Thrusting Appliance
A tongue-thrusting appliance is used as an aid in correcting an abnormal swallow pattern. Instead of pulling the tongue to the back of the mouth during a swallow, the patient pushes the tongue forward between the upper and lower teeth during a swallow. This can have negative long-term effects, most notably creating separation between the upper and lower teeth. The tongue appliance is fixed in the roof of the mouth, using molar bands. These bands extend forward to a small metal basket that rests behind the upper front teeth. The basket is used to stop the tongue from coming forward during the swallow.
Thumb/Finger Appliance
A thumb crib is used to assist the patient in stopping an unwanted digit habit, like thumb sucking. Molar bands are fixed in the mouth and connected to a small cage that sits behind the upper front teeth. It works to serve as a reminder to the patient that when the digit is placed in the mouth that he or she should remove the finger or thumb.
Pendex Appliance
The Pendex appliance is used to correct the side bite of teeth. This appliance is often used when functional appliances or headgear cannot deliver optimal results. The Pendex appliance has a large acrylic pad that touches the roof of the mouth and very flexible springs that serve as a wide swinging arc to move the molars. In addition, an expansion screw is built-in into the appliance to widen the upper jaw. The Pendex appliance is normally used for three to six months to achieve the desired results.
Headgear/Facemask
Headgear is often used to correct an excessive overbite. The overbite is corrected by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw, which would hold the teeth in position or help move them into better positions. The severity of the problem determines the length of time headgear needs to be worn. The key to success with your headgear appliance is consistency. Headgear must be worn a certain number of hours per day, and if not, it must be made up the following day.
Note: Headgear should never be worn while playing sports and should also be removed while eating or brushing your teeth.
Pendulum Appliance
The Penguin Pendulum Appliance is used to move the upper molars back when there are dental discrepancies. This fixed appliance also eliminates the need for patient compliance. Used to correct Class II malocclusions, the Pendulum Appliance yields results similar to that achieved by headgear but with enhanced patient comfort and improved treatment outcomes. The process generally takes around six months to complete.
Nance Appliance
The Nance appliance is used to anchor the molars into their final position after they have been moved by the Pendulum or Pendex appliance(s). The Nance is positioned across the roof of the mouth with bands placed on the back two molars of the upper jaw. Wires are connected to the inside of the bands and an acrylic pad will be placed in the center of the wire that fits against the roof of the mouth. The Nance appliance is worn for several months while the other teeth are being moved to their correct position.
Contact Newbury Park Orthodontics
We are happy that you have chosen Newbury Park Orthondontics for your orthodontic care needs. It is important to us that you not only achieve your dream smile but that you are well informed and educated in regards to the different treatment options available for you and proper orthodontic care techniques. Contact us at 805.480.1999 with any questions or concerns, and we will gladly address them. We can schedule an appointment for you to come into out office right over the phone as well. We look forward to hearing form you soon.