Pediatric Dental Appliances

Though many parents associate dental appliances with teenagers, young children frequently benefit from them as well. Some appliances are recommended for preventive purposes, while others are used for treatment. Pediatric dental appliances can help prevent injury, reduce dental complications, and in some cases, minimize the need for extensive treatment later.

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Common Types of Pediatric Dental Appliances

Mouth Guards

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that children wear mouth guards during any potentially injurious activities, including sports and recreational play. Pediatric dentists can provide a custom-fitted mouth guard, or families can use a thermoplastic “boil-and-bite” version. Mouth guards are also recommended for children who grind their teeth at night (bruxism).

Space Maintainers

When primary (baby) teeth are lost prematurely due to trauma or decay, adjacent teeth may shift, causing spacing and alignment problems for permanent teeth. Space maintainers hold the gap until permanent teeth erupt.

  • Fixed space maintainers: These include “band and loop,” “crown and loop,” or “distal shoe” types. Usually made of metal, they are highly durable. For highly visible teeth, an acrylic button may be added for esthetics.
  • Removable space maintainers: Less common in young children, these function like orthodontic retainers, using special plastic parts to hold the empty space.

Thumb Sucking Appliances

Most children naturally outgrow thumb-sucking, but persistent sucking after age five or six can cause oral complications such as narrowed arches, impacted teeth, and misalignment. The “palatal crib” appliance, affixed by a pediatric dentist, prevents the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, breaking the habit quickly. Removable versions are available depending on the child’s age and cooperation.

Expansion Appliances

Used to correct overbites and crossbites, expansion appliances stretch and widen the dental arch to provide space for proper tooth alignment. Custom-made, these appliances can be attached to the inside or outside of the teeth. Children with cleft palates may also use expansion appliances to prepare the jaw for oral surgery.

Bionator

For children whose jaws are not growing proportionally, a bionator may be recommended. This appliance positions the lower jaw forward, helping teeth erupt and align correctly. Bionators reduce the need for extensive orthodontic treatment and promote natural-looking alignment.

If you have questions or concerns about dental appliances, please contact your pediatric dentist.