Functional Orthodontic Appliances in Miami
Helping to Reshape Your Child’s Smile
Are you concerned with the shape of your child’s jaw? Is your child’s lower jaw bone underdeveloped? Are you seeking affordable orthodontic treatment or wondering what the costs of using braces or orthodontic appliances are? Our premier dentist and wellness expert, Dr. Julio Hernandez, has solutions for you.
Dr. Julio can help widen your child’s jaw bone using functional orthodontic appliances in Miami! Adequate facial growth & symmetry is largely due to proper bone development. Upper & lower jawbones that are underdeveloped will cause teeth to be crowded and often cause bite or speech problems. Additionally, both overdeveloped & underdeveloped jaws will cause profile changes & may cause facial asymmetry.
Dental Braces for Kids
To prevent asymmetrical growth from affecting a patient’s profile, it is recommended that all children have an orthodontic consultation by age 7. This is especially critical for girls who will develop faster. Thus, the window of opportunity to positively affect facial growth is limited. At Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics, we offer a complimentary initial orthodontic consultation.
Between the ages of 7-12 dentists can positively affect facial growth with the use of functional appliances. These intra-oral appliances help expand narrow, undeveloped bones. There are many different types; but, the most common are expansion appliances. These appliances are small, removable acrylic devices with a midline screw that is opened 2-5 times per week to help expand upper and lower jaws. They are placed against the palate or under the tongue, against the teeth, & help widen these areas allowing more room for the permanent teeth to erupt. With so many doctors to choose from, choose one with lots of experience. Top Miami dentist Dr. Julio Hernandez has over 25 years of experience treating orthodontic patients. His skills & knowledge, and excellent bedside manner will ensure you have a successful treatment.
Orthodontics for Kids (Girls vs. Boys)
It is a common misconception that parents should wait until kids get all their permanent teeth before having an orthodontic consultation. By age 11-13, when most kids’ permanent teeth erupt, the options to correct underdeveloped bones are very limited. As some girls reach puberty as early as 13, it is imperative to start orthodontic treatment early when indicated.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances for Children
Functional orthodontic appliances can be permanently cemented or removable, resembling retainers, but are used to move bones.
Just a few of the appliances that we provide for our patients include:
- Schwarz Appliance: A removable appliance is like a regular retainer, but expands dental arch so that incoming teeth erupt easily. Broadens upper smile; makes more room for crowded teeth.
- Rapid Palatal Expander: A permanently cemented (fixed) appliance used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. Broadens upper smile and makes room for crowded teeth.
- Herbst Appliance: A removable appliance that incorporates the use of upper and lower bite blocks to position the lower jaw forward or backward to help correct the bite.
- Headgear Braces: Some cases with braces require headgear. Headgear is straps added to the head that has a metal wire that attaches to braces using elastics. Braces headgear is used to move upper or lower jaws forward. The straps around the head are used as anchorage to work against the force of the elastic to move the teeth and jaws forward. Modern orthodontics does not use headgear appliances as often as it was used in the past. Dental headgear is still used in rare cases when additional anchorage is needed.
Our Miami Orthodontic Provider Offers Free Consultations
Call Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics for the best orthodontics in Miami! Dr. Julio Hernandez can help your kids improve their bite and their smile.
Call (305) 224-1138 for your free consultation on orthodontic appliances. Our Miami Orthodontic Provider is dedicated to helping our patients improve their smiles and their lives!
We utilize low-radiation dental x-rays, oral cancer screenings, and a 3-D digital impression system. These systems allow us to provide you with a better diagnosis, and more insightful solutions all while keeping you comfortable. No expense is spared in making sure we provide you with the best possible level of dental care.
Professional & Charitable Affiliations
Established & Effective
Procedures to help you feel better
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More than 20 years of professional experience
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Highly decorated and esteemed professionals
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As a leading authority in cosmetic dentistry
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Comprehensive dental services are offered at our office