Treatments Tailored to Every Smile
Orthodontic treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, so you’ll only find customized care and unique plans at Upbeat Smiles in Medina.
Dr. Dale Anne Featheringham and her team go the extra mile to give you a healthy, cheerful smile in a fun and friendly environment.
More Ways to Smile
Your smile care at Upbeat Smiles is all-encompassing with access to the latest treatments for the best results in every case.
Habit Appliance for
Thumb-Sucking
Habit appliances are custom-made orthodontic devices to help children break the habit of thumb-sucking.
Thumb-sucking can cause various dental issues — including misalignment of the teeth and changes in the shape of your child’s jaw and palate — so it’s important to treat the issue if it goes on too long.
How it Works
Dr. Dale Anne places habit appliances behind the upper front teeth so they’re not visible when your child smiles. These appliances make thumb-sucking uncomfortable for your child, discouraging the habit.
The device may be fixed or removable, depending on your child's needs and Dr. Dale Anne’s recommendation.
Who Needs a Habit Appliance
If your child has persistent thumb-sucking habits that haven't ceased by the age of four to six years, they could benefit from a habit appliance. It's crucial to address this habit early to prevent long-term dental issues, as it:
- Helps prevent malocclusions (misaligned teeth) caused by thumb sucking
- Promotes proper jaw and palate development
- Reduces the need for more extensive orthodontic treatments in the future
Palate Expander
A palate expander is an orthodontic device that widens the upper jaw, creating more space for your child’s teeth and ensuring proper alignment. This treatment is great for children whose jaw is still growing.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Dr. Dale Anne attaches palate expanders to the upper molars where it applies gentle pressure to widen the upper jaw.
We’ll regularly adjust the device to reach the desired expansion. The process usually takes a few months, during which you’ll visit our Medina office for regular adjustments to keep your smile progressing.
Who Needs Palate Expanders
Dr. Dale Anne typically recommends palate expanders for children between the ages of seven and 14 who have narrow palates, crowded teeth, or crossbites.
If your child has signs of these conditions, early treatment is essential to expand the palate while the jaw is still growing, which:
- Creates more space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
- Corrects crossbites and other alignment issues
- Improves breathing by expanding the nasal passages
- Enhances the overall balance and symmetry of the face