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Dental Appliances

Specialized orthodontic appliances designed to guide alignment, correct habits, and support lasting results at every stage of treatment.

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What Are Dental Appliances?

Dental crowns and bridges are custom restorative solutions designed to repair damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, and restore the strength, function, and appearance of your smile. Dental implants are the most advanced and predictable solution for replacing missing teeth, restoring both the visible tooth and the underlying root structure. During treatment, a small biocompatible titanium implant is precisely placed within the jawbone, where it integrates naturally with the bone to create a secure and long-lasting foundation for a custom restoration.

Whether replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch, dental implants provide a durable, natural-looking solution designed to support long-term oral health and confidence.

Healthy gums and supporting bone are the foundation of a healthy, functional smile. Before restorative or cosmetic treatment can begin, any underlying periodontal disease, gum recession, or bone loss must be properly diagnosed and treated to create a stable environment for long-term success.

Periodontal therapy focuses on controlling infection, restoring gum health, and preserving the supporting structures of the teeth. By addressing these conditions first, we can help ensure that crowns, bridges, dental implants, and other restorative treatments are built on a strong and predictable foundation.

Here is what most patients can expect from the dental appliance process at a glance:

6–12
Months average appliance wear time
2–4
Weeks typical adjustment period

Types of Dental Appliances 

The appliance recommended for you will depend on your specific orthodontic needs and treatment goals.
 
 

Bite Correction

Bite correction appliances are orthodontic devices designed to actively reposition the jaw and correct bite issues such as overbite, underbite, or misalignment. When the upper and lower jaw do not come together properly, it can affect chewing, speaking, and long-term jaw health. Your provider may recommend a bite correction appliance to guide jaw development and bring your bite into proper alignment before more complex treatment becomes necessary.

Bite Correction

When Are Dental Appliances  Recommended? 

 
Your provider may recommend a dental appliance if any of the following apply to your orthodontic needs or treatment plan.
 
 

Ongoing oral habits

Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or other habits that are affecting the development and alignment of your teeth or jaw.

 

Narrow jaw or crowding

Limited space in the mouth that is preventing teeth from aligning properly and cannot be resolved with braces or aligners alone.

 

Post-treatment retention

Completed active orthodontic treatment and need a retainer to hold your results and prevent teeth from shifting back over time.

 

Bite or jaw development concerns

A developing bite issue in a child or teen that can be corrected early before more complex treatment becomes necessary.

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What To Expect

A step-by-step look at the dental appliance process at Smart Dental Network.
  
Patient looking at scanned dental images
1

Evaluation & recommendation

Our provider assesses your teeth, bite, and jaw to determine whether a dental appliance is the right solution and which type will best support your treatment goals.

2

Custom fitting

Your appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth precisely. Your provider will make sure it fits comfortably and walk you through how to wear and care for it properly.

3

Monitoring & adjustment

You will check in with your provider periodically throughout treatment to track progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure your appliance is working as intended.

Caring For Your Appliance

Proper care and consistency are key to getting the best results from your dental appliance. Here is what to keep in mind.

Daily

Cleaning

Rinse and brush your appliance daily with a soft toothbrush. Keep it free of plaque and bacteria to maintain both the appliance and your overall oral health.

As Directed

Wear time

Follow your provider's instructions on wear time closely. Consistency is the most important factor in staying on track with your treatment goals.

Ongoing

Check-ins

Your provider will monitor your progress periodically, make any necessary adjustments, and confirm your appliance is working as intended.

Other Orthodontic Treatments

Explore the full range of orthodontic services available across Smart Dental Network locations.
 
 

Invisalign

A series of clear, removable aligners custom-fitted to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment without the look of traditional braces.

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Snap-On Smile

A removable, non-invasive arch that fits over your existing teeth to instantly improve the appearance of your smile without any permanent changes.

Learn more →

Braces

Traditional metal, ceramic, or lingual braces that apply consistent pressure over time to correct misalignment and improve overall bite function.

Learn more →
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Related Resources

 
From our resource center, helpful reading to support you before, during, and
throughout your dental appliance treatment.
 
  
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Have a Concern You'd Like Evaluated?

 
Find the care you need at an Smart Dental Network location near you.
 
 
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