In the past, patients had to resort to surgery to correct issues caused by an improperly structured upper jaw or midface. Now, Dr. Michael Chung can fix many of these concerns — such as facial asymmetry or trouble breathing — using an Anterior Remodeling Appliance (ARA). This orthodontic device works gradually to restructure your jaw and the surrounding area.
You may not have to resort to invasive surgery to correct your overbite, underbite, TMJ disorder, or other jaw structure issue. If you’ve been told that you need surgery, come to Dr. Chung for a second opinion. You may be able to benefit from an effective, nonsurgical ARA.
Call 703-319-6990 today to schedule your in-office consultation and examination. At Softouch Dental care, we serve Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
What Can an Anterior Remodeling Appliance Treat?
An ARA is essentially a device that expands the upper jaw and restructures the midface to reach the proper harmony. It also works to change the position of the teeth.
By placing pressure in the right areas, an ARA stimulates overall facial development. These customized devices can safely be used for both children and adults.
ARA’s are versatile and can help improve a range of concerns including:
Breathing problems due to an obstructed airway- Facial asymmetry
- Lack of jawline definition
- Sleep apnea
- Cosmetic issues with the cheekbones, eyes, and nose
- Headaches and migraines
- Severe TMJ disorder
- Malocclusion (a misaligned bite)
The Types of Anterior Remodeling Appliances
Anterior remodeling appliances are typically made of dental wire and sometimes include a transparent plastic material. These devices resemble a wired retainer in appearance. Generally speaking, there are two main types of ARAs.
Removable (RARA)
Typically, removal anterior remodeling appliances are best suited for children. In most cases, these children have midface issues, and they are still waiting for their adult teeth to come in.
The RARA can help with TMJ pain or an inability to properly open and close the mouth. It can also help to develop a child’s airway.
Though the device is removable, it needs to be worn at all times to expand the upper jaw properly. After treatment, braces or a retainer may offer further improvement.
Fixed (FARA)
A fixed ARA is often used to treat adults. This device can help patients with an underdeveloped upper jaw by expanding the arch without the need for extracting teeth.
FARA’s expand the jaw on an axis from front to back, which is crucial when treating TMJ, airway problems, limited tongue space, and other issues. Other oral appliances may not function in this incredibly beneficial way.
Like with a FARA, Dr. Chung may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and close any gaps after your RARA treatment. In most cases, a wire will be placed behind your teeth to help your jaw maintain its new position.
What Causes Facial and Jaw Development Issues?
Many things can cause complications with facial and jaw development. If several factors are not in place while your jaw develops, you may end up with dental bite problems and compromised facial aesthetics. These same contributing factors can also indicate that you already have bite issues.
Your jaw development is closely related to your:
- Ability to breathe through your nose comfortably
- Ability to seal your lips and keep them closed
- Tongue position in your mouth
- History of thumb or finger sucking
- Tendency to grind your teeth, also known as bruxism
- Genetic factors such as mouth size or tooth arrangement
- Facial muscle strength
Schedule Your Anterior Remodeling Appliance Consultation
Call us at 703-319-6990 to schedule a consultation to learn if an ARA device could solve your functional and aesthetic dental issues. At Softouch Dental Care, we happily welcome patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
