Orthodontics Appliances (Removable Retainers, Expanders, Headgear, Facemask) in Smithtown, NY

At NowDental of Suffolk, we are proud to offer our Smithtown and Suffolk County, NY patients a wide range of dental solutions that can improve oral health and create a memorable smile. The appliances we offer can be used at various stages of life, including early and elderly years. At our Smithtown, NY office, we offer removable retainers, expanders, headgear, and facemask so we can provide you and your family customized treatment based on each of your unique needs. For more information, give our state-of-the-art office a call today.

What Are Space Maintainers?

Space maintainers are typically used in the early years before a child is ready for braces. Made out of metal or resin, these maintainers keep an open space where a baby tooth has been lost early on or had to be removed before the adult tooth is ready to come in. Space maintainers can be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable (retainer-like) and will often stretch from one side of the mouth to the other.

What Are Expanders?

If your upper jaw is too narrow or your upper teeth are on the inside of your lower teeth when biting down, it can impact the function and appearance of your mouth. For this reason, we may recommend a palatal expander. This device is custom made for your mouth and is made out of metal or resin and is bonded to the teeth in the upper arch of your mouth. It stretches across the roof of your mouth and will gradually widen your upper jaw until your upper teeth are positioned correctly. Typically, you'll need to wear your expander for about 6 – 9 months.

What Are Retainers?

After you've had braces, you'll likely need to use a retainer. Retainers are used to help keep your teeth in place after they've shifted from braces while your jaw continues to stabilize. At our office, we offer removable retainers, which can be used during the day and taken out to eat, drink, and brush.

What are Headgear and Facemasks?

Dental headgear and facemask are used when a patient has jaw misalignment. Headgear is often used to correct an issue, such as jaw misalignment or overcrowded teeth. Typically, headgear is worn on the outside of the mouth while it puts pressure on the upper or lower jaws, adjusting the placement of the teeth. Usually, the headgear is connected to braces using hooks, bands, or something else. The dental facemask is sometimes known as "reverse pull headgear" because it pulls out the upper jaw. Like headgear, the facemask is worn on the outside of the teeth and is connected to the braces as it pulls the upper jaw out to meet the lower jaw.

At NowDental of Suffolk, we are here for you and your family's dental needs. We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive family dentistry and offer a range of orthodontic appliances for various stages in life. Whether your young child needs a space maintainer, your teen needs a retainer after braces, or something else, our team offers these orthodontic solutions and more. For more information, contact our Smithtown, NY office today.