What Orthodontic Appliances Do
An orthodontic appliance is a custom-made device that directs the development of the teeth and jaws. Braces move teeth that have already come in. Appliances work earlier, shaping the space those teeth will move into.
That timing matters. Between roughly ages 6 and 11, a child’s jaw is still growing, and a small appliance can create room that would otherwise require longer treatment or extractions later on. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7, usually when our orthodontists can determine whether an appliance would help.
Appliances We Offer at Creekside Orthodontics
Space Maintainers
When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, whether due to decay, injury, or extraction, the neighboring teeth tend to drift into the open gap. The permanent tooth underneath then has nowhere to come in, so it can erupt crooked or remain trapped below the gum.
A space maintainer is a small, fixed appliance that holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready. It is simple to place, easy for a child to get used to, and considerably less involved than correcting a blocked tooth after the fact.
Palatal Expanders
A palatal expander sits against the roof of the mouth and gradually widens the upper dental arch. Widening the arch creates room for permanent teeth to come in naturally, and it can help correct a crossbite or a narrow upper jaw while those bones are still responsive to gentle pressure.
Most children wear an expander for several months. You turn it at home on a schedule our team walks you through, and we check progress at short, regular visits.
Who Benefits from Appliance Treatment
Appliance treatment is usually recommended for children and preteens, and our orthodontists look for a specific set of signs:
- A baby tooth lost well ahead of schedule, or a permanent tooth that has not come in when it should have;
- Crowding, or permanent teeth that clearly do not have room to come in straight;
- An upper jaw that is narrow compared with the lower jaw, or a crossbite;
- Teeth that meet unevenly when a child bites down.
Not every child who comes in for an early exam needs an appliance. Often, the right answer is simply to watch how things develop and check back in a year, and we will tell you plainly when that is the case.
What to Expect From Start to Finish
Treatment starts with a free consultation. One of our orthodontists examines your child’s bite, jaw development, and incoming teeth, then explains what they see and whether an appliance would help.
If an appliance is the right step, we take the necessary records to have it made specifically for your child. Placement is quick and comfortable. We then see your child for short check-ins to track progress and make adjustments, and we show you exactly how to keep the appliance clean at home. When the appliance has done its job, we remove it and discuss whether braces or Invisalign® clear aligners make sense as the next phase.
Visit our Billings Orthodontic Office
You will find us on N Transtech Way in west Billings, just south of the King Avenue West corridor and a short drive from Shiloh Crossing, Rimrock Mall, and King Plaza.
Families in the West End neighborhoods around Big Sky Elementary and Elysian Elementary are only a few minutes away, and our office is an easy route from the Heights, Laurel, and the smaller Eastern Montana communities we serve.
Creekside Orthodontics
1241 N Transtech Way, Billings, MT 59102
Monday: 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Creekside Office
Schedule a Free Consultation in Billings
If your child has lost a tooth early, has teeth coming in crowded, or is simply due for that first orthodontic checkup, a free consultation is the place to start. Request an appointment online or call our Billings office and we will find a time that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child be evaluated for an appliance?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup no later than age 7. An early exam lets our orthodontists watch jaw growth and incoming teeth and decide whether an appliance would help now or later.
What is a space maintainer?
A space maintainer is a small appliance that holds open the gap left when a baby tooth comes out earlier than expected, so the permanent tooth underneath has room to come in where it belongs.
What does a palatal expander do?
A palatal expander sits against the roof of the mouth and gradually widens the upper dental arch, creating more room for permanent teeth to come in naturally. It can also help correct a crossbite while a child’s jaw is still growing.
Is appliance treatment covered by insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and serve families on Medicaid and Montana Healthy Kids. Flexible payment plans and CareCredit financing are also available, and our team reviews costs with you before treatment starts.
