A Customized Approach to Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances are an essential part of many treatment plans. They support jaw development, manage spacing, and maintain your progress with braces or aligners. At our Steiner Ranch office, we offer a variety of appliances customized to fit your needs and goals.

Here are the orthodontic appliances we commonly provide:

Palatal Expanders

These appliances gradually widen the upper jaw to create room for incoming teeth. Children and teens often use them to prevent or treat crowding and improve bite alignment.

Retainers

After your orthodontic treatment, retainers hold your teeth in their newly aligned positions and prevent them from shifting. They’re a critical part of preserving your results long term.

Space Maintainers

If a baby tooth is lost early, space maintainers help ensure enough room for the adult tooth to erupt properly. This helps guide dental development and avoid future misalignment.

T-Rex and Pendex Expanders

These are specialized expanders used in more complex cases of crowding or jaw imbalance. Slowly expanding the upper arch allows proper tooth alignment and improves bite symmetry.

Face Masks

In rare but important cases, face masks help correct underbite issues by encouraging forward growth of the upper jaw in younger patients. This can prevent the need for surgical correction later on.

Why Orthodontic Appliances Matter

Every smile is different—and so are the tools needed to create and maintain it. Orthodontic appliances in Steiner Ranch allow us to address specific issues such as bite discrepancies, spacing challenges, and jaw growth problems. Using these appliances at the right time can reduce the complexity and duration of treatment.

Benefits of orthodontic appliances include:

• Guided jaw development – Appliances like expanders and face masks help shape the jaw as it grows, preventing more serious alignment issues.
• Preserved space for adult teeth – Space maintainers reduce the risk of crowding and misalignment later in life.
• Long-term retention – Retainers protect your results and reduce the chance of needing future corrective work.
• Improved bite and function – With the help of these devices, your bite can function more comfortably and efficiently.

What to Expect at Our Steiner Ranch Office

Your journey with orthodontic appliances begins with a detailed consultation. We’ll evaluate your bite and dental development using advanced tools like:

• iTero® Digital Scanner – A no-mess method for capturing 3D impressions
• Panoramic X-rays – To visualize jaw structure and tooth positioning
• Intraoral Cameras – To show you exactly what we see during your exam

Once we determine which appliance you need, we’ll take time to explain how it works, how long you’ll need it, and how to care for it properly.

Precise Fitting and Adjustments

We’ll ensure your appliance is fitted comfortably and adjusted as needed during your visits. Our technology allows for high accuracy, reducing discomfort and increasing effectiveness.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

At each appointment, we’ll track your progress, make necessary changes, and answer your questions. Our team is always here to support you with guidance and encouragement.

Appliance Care Instructions

Whether it’s a retainer or a palatal expander, we’ll provide detailed instructions so you know how to clean and maintain your device at home.

A Comfortable Experience and Flexible Options

We know orthodontic visits should feel just as good as they are effective. That’s why our Steiner Ranch location includes:

• A calming, family-friendly atmosphere
• TVs in treatment rooms and hot beverages in the lobby
• Flexible payment plans, in-house membership options, and acceptance of all standard payment methods