Growth Modifications

Growth modification appliances are an extremely valuable appliance in that when used during the growth spurt of an adolescent it can eliminate the need for jaw surgery and permanent tooth extractions. These 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 and overjet. These types of appliances are connected to the braces and stay in your mouth for 4 to 12 months. There are many different types of growth modification appliances, the two we use the most are the Herbst appliance and the FORSUS spring appliance.

forsus-appliance-cropped
Forsus
herbst
Herbst