Orthodontic Appliance Therapy in Voorhees Township, Cherry Hill & Mt Laurel, NJ
Growing Smiles Pediatric & Family Dentistry is your one-stop-shop for oral appliance therapy. In addition to our custom mouthguards, our practice offers a variety of oral appliances that many family dental practices do not. Interested in learning more about our treatment options or scheduling with us? Contact our team today!
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Our Treatment Options
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are small dental devices used to hold open the space left by a lost baby tooth. They help guide the permanent tooth into the correct position and prevent nearby teeth from shifting. Without a space maintainer, teeth may drift and cause crowding or alignment problems. These devices are especially helpful in children who lose baby teeth early due to injury or decay.
Custom Retainers
Retainers are custom-made appliances that help keep teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. They can be removable or fixed and are usually worn at night or as directed by your family dentist. Retainers play a key role in preventing teeth from shifting back after braces or Invisalign®. Wearing your retainer as instructed helps maintain your beautiful, straight smile for years to come.
Habit Breakers
Habit breakers are special appliances designed to help children stop habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. These habits can affect the alignment of teeth and the development of the jaw if they continue past a certain age. Habit breakers are often placed behind the upper teeth and serve as a gentle reminder to discourage the habit. Using a habit breaker early on can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
CONTACT USFrequently Asked Questions
What happens to a space maintainer when the adult tooth grows in?
When the adult tooth starts to grow in, we monitor its progress during regular dental visits. Once it begins to erupt and is ready to take its proper place, we will remove the space maintainer. The goal is to ensure the permanent tooth has enough room to come in correctly. Removing the appliance is a simple and painless process, and we’ll guide your child through it to keep them comfortable.
What if my child damages or breaks their retainer?
If your child damages or breaks their retainer, contact our office as soon as possible. A broken or ill-fitting retainer can prevent their teeth from staying properly aligned. In many cases, we can repair the retainer or create a replacement if needed. Be sure your child avoids bending or chewing on their retainer, and remind them to store it in its case when not in use to prevent future damage.
What else can I do to help my child stop their thumb-sucking habit?
To help your child stop thumb-sucking, offer gentle reminders and encouragement rather than punishment. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or small rewards for progress, can be effective. You can also try giving your child a substitute comfort item like a soft toy or blanket. Our team would be happy to talk with them as well if you believe it would help.