What is an anterior growth guidance appliance?
This type of appliance is usually made of wire and sometimes a plastic material. It helps to expand the upper jaw to create space, which reduces crowding and allows the tongue to sit up in a higher position. It is a nonsurgical, noninvasive way to reshape the jaws or palate. It acts by applying light pressure on the palate, which stimulates the nerve (the nasopalatine nerve) that runs through the palate. This stimulates development and remodeling in the mouth.
It is used to help patients with breathing disorders, such as mouth breathing; sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea; jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ); and people who have neck pain and headaches. It can also be used to create more proportionate features, because it aligns the jaw properly, which can give the patient a more balanced profile and a more youthful look.
There are two types of anterior growth guidance appliances: removable and fixed. Fixed is used in patients with severe TMJ and sleep disorders. A removable appliance is used in children who have headaches, TMJ symptoms, crooked or crowded teeth, or bite problems.
How do I get this kind of appliance?
The first step to see if an AGGA is right for you is to contact Dr. Konig’s office for a consultation. He will speak with you about your symptoms and your concerns so that he can determine the best treatment for you.
Whether you have been told you will need surgery for TMJ and are looking for a different solution or you are tired of constant headaches and breathing issues, an AGGA may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Call the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry in Houston, Texas, for a consultation today, at (713) 668-2289.
