Growth Modification Appliances
Growth modification appliances are used to enhance the growth of the lower jaw in a forward direction, while at the same time applying pressure to the upper jaw in a backward direction. It can also be designed to allow expansion to the upper arch. These appliances help correct the front-to-back relationship of the upper and lower jaws, thereby correcting the overbite. These types of appliances are connected to the braces and stay in your mouth for 4 to 10 months.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw. This devise spreads the two halves of the upper jaw apart. New bone then fills in between the two halves and the upper jaw remains permanently wider.
There are several designs for these expanders; but all have a center screw that must be activated daily by turning a key.
