What Are Orthodontic Appliances?
Orthodontic appliances are specialized devices that support tooth and jaw alignment. These tools can expand the palate, preserve spacing for adult teeth, guide jaw growth, or maintain the final results after braces or clear aligner therapy. At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics, we customize each appliance to suit your unique needs and treatment goals.
Here are some of the common appliances we use at our Westlake office:
Palatal Expanders
Used primarily in growing children, palatal expanders help widen the upper jaw to make room for developing teeth and correct bite alignment.
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment is complete, retainers maintain tooth position and prevent shifting. We offer both removable and fixed retainer options.
Space Maintainers
When a child loses a baby tooth early, a space maintainer holds that space open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in—preventing crowding or misalignment.
T-Rex & Pendex Expanders
These expanders are used in more complex cases to gradually widen the upper arch and relieve severe crowding or jaw discrepancies.
Face Masks
Used in specific cases to correct underbites, face masks apply gentle pressure to guide upper jaw growth forward in children, improving both function and appearance.
Why Patients in Westlake Benefit from Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances are often essential to treatment success. Whether they’re used before, during, or after braces or aligners, these tools help correct imbalances and ensure long-term results. Benefits include:
- Improved bite and jaw alignment – Appliances help guide growth and alignment to create a more functional, comfortable bite.
- Preventing future complications – Tools like space maintainers reduce the risk of complex orthodontic problems later.
- Supporting aesthetic outcomes – Appliances contribute to facial symmetry and a more confident smile.
- Maintaining treatment results – Retainers ensure that the hard work of braces or aligners isn’t lost due to shifting.
What to Expect at Your Westlake Appointment
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation, where we evaluate your needs using the latest diagnostic tools:
- iTero® digital scanner – for precise, comfortable 3D imaging
- Panoramic digital X-rays – to evaluate jaw development and tooth positioning
- Intraoral cameras – for a clear view of your teeth and gums during the exam
After determining the appropriate appliance, we’ll custom-fit it to your mouth and explain how to use and care for it. Depending on the appliance, your treatment may include:
Fitting and Adjustment
We’ll ensure the appliance fits comfortably and make adjustments as needed using our advanced equipment.
Ongoing Monitoring
You’ll come in for routine checkups so we can track your progress and make any necessary modifications.
Follow-Up Care and Education
Our team will provide detailed care instructions, including cleaning techniques and tips to manage any mild discomfort.
A Comfortable Experience and Convenient Options
At Tomblyn Family Orthodontics in Westlake, we go beyond clinical care—we create an experience that makes every visit easier and more enjoyable. Our amenities include:
- Hot beverages and free Wi-Fi
- TVs in treatment areas
- Gaming consoles for younger patients
- Pillows and comfort-focused seating
- Goodie bags to make visits fun
We also offer flexible financing options to make treatment more accessible:
- Payment by cash, check, or credit/debit card
- Interest-free monthly payment plans
- In-house membership discounts
