The Nance Appliance was invented in 1932 by John Robert Nance, who was an American dentist and orthodontist. It has been modified multiple times to become what it is today, but the main purpose of this appliance remains the same: to open up space in your mouth so that impacted teeth can come out or be moved into their proper positions without causing any damage to your jawbone or other teeth.
Who needs an orthodontic traction device?
When your orthodontist recommends using traction, you might wonder if there are other options available. It’s true that most orthodontic patients can be treated without a traction device. But in some cases—especially when there are signs of severe bite problems or tooth misalignment—orthodontic traction can be a good choice for ensuring successful treatment outcomes. And not all patients need to have metal appliances. More and more, doctors are turning to less-visible orthodontic treatments, like clear aligners and removable retainers, as well as other less-invasive means of applying force on teeth to help realign them in place.
How does it work?
Using a form of dental bonding, orthodontists will use molds to create 3-D impressions of your teeth that are unique to you. The dentist then takes these impressions and attaches them together to make an exact replica of your upper and lower jaws. From there, they add thin metal springs called tacks that exert gentle pressure on your teeth as you sleep.
The process to put it on and take it off
The best orthodontist near me will use a rubber band to tie down your tongue and block it from moving. The entire process of how to put it on can take anywhere from two minutes to 30 minutes, depending on how cooperative you are during that time period. Once it’s applied, a safety wire will then be attached to both molars on either side of your impacted tooth. A constant force pulling up with just a little bit of pressure will slowly cause your impacted tooth (or teeth) to move into proper position. In most cases, teeth have made movement in as little as eight weeks but keep in mind that every case is different and you should consult your doctor about their results before taking any action against yours.
Monitoring its use
The best orthodontist near me will use their own discretion in monitoring its use. Since there are no fixed factors, I would recommend that you ask what will be used as a guideline for your treatment. This way, you’ll have a fair idea of how it works and how long it will take for you to get your perfect smile. Remember that not everyone may need to wear such a device. It’s entirely dependent on your condition and only an experienced practitioner can give you accurate information on what they think will work best for you. To talk with one, check out our online directory today! Just contact us via phone or email or even through our web form on our website.