Orthodontic Appliances in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we use a variety of custom orthodontic appliances to ensure a comfortable, effective treatment process for both children and adults.

Whether you need early intervention, bite correction, or additional support during orthodontic treatment, these appliances help achieve long-lasting, stable results.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances We Offer

1. Palatal Expanders (For Widening the Upper Jaw)

• Used to correct narrow arches or crowding in children and teens.
• Gradually widens the upper jaw to create more space for permanent teeth.
• Commonly used before braces to prevent extractions and improve bite alignment.

2. Space Maintainers (For Preserving Space After Tooth Loss)

• Keeps surrounding teeth from shifting after early tooth loss in children.
• Helps guide permanent teeth into proper position, preventing crowding.

3. Habit Appliances (For Stopping Thumb-Sucking & Tongue Thrusting)

• Prevents oral habits that can cause misalignment or open bites.
• Often used in young children to promote proper jaw development.

4. Retainers (For Maintaining Your Smile After Braces or Aligners)

• Keeps teeth from shifting back to their original position.
• Available as removable clear retainers or fixed retainers (bonded wire behind teeth).

5. Bite Blocks & Turbo Bites (For Correcting Deep Bites & Overbites)

• Small acrylic pads placed on the molars or behind front teeth.
• Help reduce overbites and prevent excessive tooth wear.

6. Forsus™ & Herbst® Appliances (For Overbite & Jaw Growth Correction)

• Used in growing children and teens to guide proper jaw development.
• Helps reposition the lower jaw forward to correct an overbite.

7. Headgear (For Severe Overbites or Underbites)

• Worn outside the mouth to gently guide jaw growth and realign bite issues.
• Typically used in younger patients before braces for major corrections.

8. Elastics (Rubber Bands) (For Adjusting Bite Alignment)

• Attach to braces or aligners to correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
• Essential for fine-tuning the bite and achieving proper alignment.

These specialized appliances help make orthodontic treatment more effective, reducing treatment time and improving results.

How Do Orthodontic Appliances Help?

Orthodontic appliances:

• Correct bite problems (overbites, underbites, and crossbites).
• Prevent teeth from shifting after braces or early tooth loss.
• Guide jaw growth in children to avoid future problems.
• Reduce the need for extractions or surgery by creating space.
• Ensure long-term stability for a lasting, beautiful smile.

If your treatment requires additional support beyond braces or Invisalign®, we’ll recommend the best appliance to fit your needs.

Are Orthodontic Appliances Uncomfortable?

Most patients adjust to their appliance within a few days. You may experience:

• Mild soreness as your mouth adapts.
• Temporary difficulty speaking with certain appliances.
• A need for soft foods for the first few days.

With proper care and regular check-ups, orthodontic appliances provide life-changing benefits with minimal discomfort.

Caring for Your Orthodontic Appliance

To keep your appliance clean and effective:

• Brush & floss daily around any wires or brackets.
• Avoid sticky, hard foods that could damage the appliance.
• Remove removable appliances before eating and store them safely.
• Wear as directed to ensure treatment stays on track.
• Attend follow-up visits so we can monitor progress and make adjustments.

Proper care ensures faster treatment and the best possible results!