Maybe you’ve known people with braces and aligners—maybe you’ve worn them yourself!—so if braces or aligners are in your teen’s future, you have some idea what to expect and when to expect it.

But quite often, orthodontic issues require more treatment than braces alone can provide. When misalignment affects not only the teeth but the jaw as well, treatment can be more effective when it begins earlier and makes use of a different kind of appliance—the “functional appliance.”

During the years your child’s bones are still rapidly growing and forming, around the ages of eight to 14, functional appliances can help guide tooth movement and encourage jaw growth and development. One of the most widely used of these devices is the Herbst® appliance.

What does the Herbst appliance do?

There are several types of malocclusions, or “bad bites” treated by Drs. Cartsos and Zavras. A common condition called a Class II malocclusion occurs when the upper jaw and teeth project too far forward over the lower jaw and teeth. Signs of a Class II malocclusion might include an overjet (protruding upper teeth), and/or a small or recessive lower jaw.

While correcting this malocclusion often enhances facial symmetry, which can be very important for a child’s confidence, correcting a Class II malocclusion also promotes jaw and dental health. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, which can lead to decay and gum disease. Bite problems can cause persistent jaw pain and damage to the teeth. And, with an overjet, a child’s upper teeth are more at risk for injury.

The Herbst appliance was developed to treat this kind of malocclusion. It moves the lower jaw and teeth forward to create a balanced, healthy smile.

How does the Herbst appliance work?

The Herbst appliance is fixed in place with stainless steel bands or crowns that are secured to four teeth in the rear of the mouth, often the first molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. The band or crown on each lower tooth is equipped with a small bar that extends toward the front of the mouth.

An arm on each side links the bands or crowns on the upper teeth to the front of the bar assemblies on the lower teeth. Each arm consists of a rod that fits smoothly into a tube. The telescoping action of the rod and tube allows the mouth to open and close normally. When the mouth is closed, the arms on both sides telescope shut, forming compact cylinders that hold the jaw forward.

While a child’s bones are still growing, the lower jaw’s new forward position can stimulate further bone growth and remodeling to maintain the jaw in that forward position. The Herbst appliance also has a restraining effect on the forward movement of the upper jaw. The result is a steady, noticeable improvement in the relationship between the upper teeth and jaw and the lower teeth and jaw.

Is the Herbst appliance hard to take care of?

The Herbst appliance is fairly low maintenance, but, like any orthodontic gear, it should be treated with care.

• It’s important to watch your child’s diet, because sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods can damage the appliance. Save the caramels for a post-treatment celebration!
• Carefully cleaning around the appliance is necessary, because a buildup of bacteria and plaque leads to consequences like bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. A water flosser can make reaching and cleaning tight spots easier if a brush alone isn’t effective.
• If the Herbst appliance is damaged, some minor fixes might be doable at home with instructions from your treatment team. But if a band or crown comes loose, or if there’s a problem you’re unfamiliar with, call our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts office right away.
• To help avoid the need for minor (or major) fixes, playing with the appliance with fingers or tongue, nibbling on pens and pencils, chewing on ice, or any other risky habits should be strictly off limits.

When it comes to your child’s health, you always have high expectations. Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our team have all the answers you’ll need about what to expect from this phase of your child’s orthodontic treatment, and just why the Herbst appliance is the very best option to create a future of attractive, healthy smiles.

If you've recently attended a playdate or a school event and noticed that your friend's child is proudly sporting a new set of braces, you might be wondering why your little one hasn't hopped on the orthodontic train just yet. Well, fear not! There's a method to the orthodontic madness, and today, we're diving into the world of early orthodontic treatment.

Why Is My Child Not Wearing Braces Yet?

So, why might your friend's child be rocking braces while yours is still brace-free? The concept of two phases of orthodontic treatment might hold the key. In some cases, it's beneficial to start with early intervention, addressing specific issues when a child is around 7 years old. This early phase helps guide the growth and development of the jaw and facial structures.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Starting treatment early can make a significant difference. A second phase of treatment may be required at a later age when all the permanent teeth have erupted. The goal of this two-phase approach is to treat specific issues at the right time to reduce the need for more complicated treatments later, such as extractions or surgeries to uncover impacted teeth.

The good news? Not every child requires two-phase treatment. Dr. Cartsos and Dr. Zavros and their team at Convivial Dental take a conservative approach, understanding that every smile is unique. They only intervene when it's truly necessary, opting for a "wait-and-watch" method for many kids.

What Are Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs)?

Now, you might be curious about those magical-sounding devices called rapid palatal expanders (RPEs) that typically accompany early treatment. These nifty contraptions work wonders on young children because their growing bones are more malleable. If your child needs an expander, it's likely to be recommended during the early orthodontic phase. RPEs gently widen the upper jaw, allowing teeth to come in properly and preventing future crowding issues.

Personalized Care for Every Child

The key takeaway here is that every child's orthodontic journey is different. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. Cartsos and Dr. Zavros and their team at Convivial Dental understand the importance of personalized care and take pride in offering conservative approaches that prioritize your child's long-term dental health.

No Need to Rush: Your Child's Unique Journey

So, if you're feeling a bit left out because your friend's child has braces and yours doesn't, don't fret. Embrace the uniqueness of your child's smile, and trust that Dr. Cartsos and Dr. Zavros have their best interests at heart. When the time is right, we will guide your little one toward a radiant, confident smile – no rush, just the right touch of care.

No Referral Needed: Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

And by the way, a common misconception is that you need a referral from your dentist to bring your child in for an evaluation, which is simply not the case. We will gladly schedule your complimentary consultation at any time, and no referral is necessary. We feel everyone benefits from an initial visit at age 7, if for no other reason than “peace of mind” regarding your child's smile.

So, you just got your braces on, and you're wondering why you should continue visiting your general dentist since you’re seeing Drs. Cartsos and Zavras every other month. Patients always ask us if they should continue to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. In short, the answer is yes.

Today, we thought we would share a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep up with your regular visits with your dentist in addition to coming in for your regular adjustments at Convivial Dental.

One of the best reasons to visit your dentist while you undergo orthodontic treatment is to remove plaque and tartar. Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies in which food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most, if not all, plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing clear aligner treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.

The next reason to visit a dentist is to help protect your teeth from decalcification, or the loss of calcium in your teeth. A potentially serious condition in which white spots on your tooth surfaces, decalcification is irreversible and if left untreated, can lead to cavities. Decalcification is preventable; patients who cut down on sugary sweets and acidic foods, practice good oral hygiene, and visit their dentist regularly can help prevent decalcification.

The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without any delays, visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended can go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Making sure to visit your dentist will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. If you do not have a general dentist and would like a recommendation on finding one in the Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts area, please give us a call or let us know at your next adjustment appointment!

A bright, beautiful smile is often achieved with braces. The time you spend wearing braces is an investment in the good health and appearance of your smile. However, Drs. Cartsos and Zavras and our staff know that having braces on your teeth can pose challenges. Many of these challenges are commonly faced by all who wear braces, such as flossing, getting food stuck in your braces, and bad breath.

Today, let’s address bad breath and what to do about it. There’s no reason you have to shy away from conversation for fear that you’ve got bad breath.

Fresh Breath Tips for Braces Wearers

• Eat a Healthy Diet. Unhealthy foods that are laden with sugar can contribute to bad breath. Stick with healthy produce, protein, grains, and dairy found on the list of foods your orthodontist says are safe to eat with braces.
• Drink Non-Sugary Beverages. Likewise, steer clear of sugary sodas and juices for the same reason. They contribute to bad breath.
• Stay Hydrated. A mouth that’s continually dry can lead to bad breath by inhibiting your production of saliva. Regular production of saliva removes bacteria and excess food from your mouth, both of which cause bad breath.
• Brush Often. Brush your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning, after each meal and snack, and before you go to bed, to remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Don’t Forget to Floss. Flossing with braces might seem tricky, but it is a necessity. Ask Drs. Cartsos and Zavras to show you the best way to floss effectively with braces.
• Mouthwash Use. Use the mouthwash recommended by Drs. Cartsos and Zavras. For the best results, swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Get Regular Cleanings. Regular dental exams and cleanings are more important when you have braces. Cavities can delay your treatment progress, so be sure to visit your dentist every six months.

Practice Good Hygiene Daily

Good oral hygiene practices are important every day, whether you wear braces or not. But they become even more important during the months you wear braces. In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups, see your general dentist for cleanings and exams.

Together, you and our Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts team will keep your mouth healthy and fresh during and after your orthodontic treatment.