Embrace Smile Studio
10668 Riverside Drive
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Monday – Saturday
9am – 6pm (by appointment only)
Phone
818-980-1668
embracesmilestudio@gmail.com
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Appliances
Adolescent Braces
June 6, 2019
Invisalign®
June 6, 2019
PROPEL®
In our continuous effort to provide the best in orthodontic treatment for our patients, we are proud to offer PROPEL®, an advanced orthodontic technique that works with your braces or Invisalign to fast track your orthodontic treatment. PROPEL® works with your biology to stimulate the bone surrounding your teeth; helping the teeth to move faster and more predictably into their ideal position so we can reveal your new smile faster and in fewer visits to our office.
This exciting technology allows us to expedite patients treatment and cut treatment length by about half the usual time. While each patient varies, many patients can now have their orthodontic treatment completed in months instead of years! If you would like to accelerate your orthodontic treatment, then ask us about PROPEL!
Herbst
One of the most common problems orthodontists treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. More often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be, rather than the upper jaw being too far forward. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth, and braces like the Herbst appliance help this happen.Even though the Herbst appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily.
Palatal Expander
Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch. When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center of the palatal expander, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure increases the amount of bone to grow in that space, ultimately resulting in an increased width.
Lip Bumpers
We like to avoid pulling teeth as often as possible, so we use lip bumpers on our patients who need to create more room for their crowded teeth. The lip bumper is a wire on the lower jaw that extends from one molar to another and keeps lips and cheeks from touching your teeth. When you move your mouth or speak, your lips and cheeks push on the bumper, and the bumper applies pressure to the teeth. This pressure pushes the molars back, creating more space for overcrowded teeth.
Lower Lingual Arch
A Lower Lingual Arch acts as a space maintainer to keep the molars from drifting forward, and prevent them from blocking the space where permanent teeth will eventually erupt. This appliance is commonly used in cases of premature loss of baby tooth or when the lower teeth of a growing child are slightly crowded and no permanent teeth are extracted to correct the problem. We will monitor the eruption of new teeth and make adjustments. Generally, this appliance is removed following the eruption of all the permanent teeth.
Thumb/Finger Appliance
Sucking is a natural reflex that relaxes and comforts babies and toddlers. Children usually cease thumb sucking when the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt, between ages 2-4. Thumb sucking that persists beyond the eruption of primary teeth can cause improper growth of the mouth and misalignment of the teeth. If you notice prolonged and/or vigorous thumb sucking behavior in your child, talk to your dentist.
One solution to thumb sucking is an appliance called a "fixed palatal crib." This appliance is put behind the child's upper teeth by an orthodontist. The crib consists of semicircular stainless steel wires that are fastened to the molars using steel bands. The crib usually stops the habit of thumb sucking within the first day of use.
Headgear
Headgear is often used to correct an excessive overbite. This is done 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.
Reverse Pull Headgear
In some cases where an underbite is present, we may recommend using reverse headgear (face mask) as part of the treatment plan. This appliance is designed to fix the discrepancy between your upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward to correct the malocclusion.
For the results to be successful, patient compliance is of the utmost importance. It may take several days to become accustomed to the appliance. With practice, it will become easier to place and remove the reverse headgear. We will determine the length of time you should wear your headgear, but it is generally 10-14 hours per day, which can include wearing while you sleep. You should not wear your headgear while participating in sporting activities.
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Removable orthodontic appliances change the way your child’s mouth works by correcting certain bone problems