Patrick Ferry, DMD
From the time Patrick Ferry, DMD decided to pursue dentistry he always knew he wanted to provide our community with the type of dental service that demonstrates compassion and expert care.
Find Us:
Dentist - Bartow
715 S. Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-2185​
Find us
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
Tags
- celebrity smiles (65)
- dental implants (8)
- chipped teeth (4)
- bonding (3)
- crown (3)
- oral health (16)
- dental injuries (2)
- muscle frenum (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (8)
- root canal (2)
- oral hygiene (18)
- tooth wear (1)
- orthodontics (8)
- braces (11)
- antibiotics (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- gum disease (9)
- veneers (3)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- tooth grinding (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (2)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- orthodontic treatment (19)
- smile makeover (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- missing teeth (3)
- pediatric dentistry (17)
- fluoride (4)
- periodontal disease (1)
- mouthguards (2)
- dental injury (7)
- tooth decay (6)
- crowns (5)
- partial dentures (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- chipped tooth (3)
- retainers (5)
- lump (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- metal allergies (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- dental visit (2)
- blood pressure (1)
- plaque (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- diabetes (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- retainer (3)
- tooth extraction (1)
- bone loss (1)
- x-ray (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- gum recession (4)
- bone graft (1)
- dry mouth (2)
- nutrition (2)
- oral surgery (1)
- oral cancer (1)
- bad breath (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- laser dentistry (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- extraction (1)
- marijuana (1)
- oral-health (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- teething (2)
- toothache (1)
- dental implant (6)
- dentures (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- headgear (1)
- medicine (1)
- dry socket (1)
- dental care (1)
- smoking (1)
- partial denture (1)
- bridge (1)
Categories:
This Orthodontic Device Could Reduce the Need for Future Braces
Each year, millions of children and teenagers wear braces or clear aligners to straighten a crooked smile. But there may be a way to treat some of these bite problems and avoid braces—by intercepting the problem at an earlier age.
This can often be done if the bite problem stems from abnormal jaw development rather than misaligned teeth. An example of this occurs when the upper jaw growth outpaces the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to protrude beyond the lower teeth. Aside from the effect on appearance, protruding front upper teeth may extend beyond the protection of the lip and be more prone to injury.
A device called a Herbst appliance could prevent this from happening. The top of the device has two hinged metal tubes that connect to elastic bands bonded to the back teeth on both sides of the upper jaw. The bottom also has tubes affixed in the same way to the bottom teeth, except they're slightly smaller and fit within the upper tubes.
The lower tubes sliding within the upper tubes produces slight pressure against the lower jaw to ease it forward. This gradually influences the lower jaw to grow at a pace equal with the upper jaw to decrease the chances of poor bite development. Unlike other corrective methods, the Herbst appliance fixed in place and out of the way won't interfere with sports or other physical activities.
An installed Herbst appliance may change a patient's sensations during swallowing, eating or speaking, but most children adapt to the changes within a few days. And, because the device can create challenges for keeping the back teeth clean, many dentists recommend adding a fluoride rinse to daily brushing and flossing as an added boost against tooth decay.
The Herbst appliance is most effective during the period of most rapid physical growth between the ages of 11 and 14, but if the teeth are already beginning to protrude it can be undertaken as early as 8 or 9. Either way, this important orthodontic tool could help address a complicated bite problem and reduce the need for more costly orthodontic treatment later on.
If you would like more information on early interventions for poor bites, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Herbst Appliance.”