DENTISTRY & SKIN CARE IN MIAMI
Functional Orthodontic Appliances

Functional Orthodontic Appliances in Miami

Helping to Reshape Your Child’s Smile

Are you concerned with the shape of your child’s jaw? Is your child’s lower jaw bone underdeveloped? Are you seeking affordable orthodontic treatment or wondering what the costs of using braces or orthodontic appliances are? Our premier dentist and wellness expert, Dr. Julio Hernandez, has solutions for you.

Dr. Julio can help widen your child’s jaw bone using functional orthodontic appliances in Miami! Adequate facial growth & symmetry is largely due to proper bone development. Upper & lower jawbones that are underdeveloped will cause teeth to be crowded and often cause bite or speech problems. Additionally, both overdeveloped & underdeveloped jaws will cause profile changes & may cause facial asymmetry.

Dental Braces for Kids

To prevent asymmetrical growth from affecting a patient’s profile, it is recommended that all children have an orthodontic consultation by age 7. This is especially critical for girls who will develop faster. Thus, the window of opportunity to positively affect facial growth is limited. At Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics, we offer a complimentary initial orthodontic consultation.

Between the ages of 7-12 dentists can positively affect facial growth with the use of functional appliances. These intra-oral appliances help expand narrow, undeveloped bones. There are many different types; but, the most common are expansion appliances. These appliances are small, removable acrylic devices with a midline screw that is opened 2-5 times per week to help expand upper and lower jaws. They are placed against the palate or under the tongue, against the teeth, & help widen these areas allowing more room for the permanent teeth to erupt. With so many doctors to choose from, choose one with lots of experience. Top Miami dentist Dr. Julio Hernandez has over 20 years of experience treating orthodontic patients. His skills & knowledge, and excellent bedside manner will ensure you have a successful treatment.

Orthodontics for Kids (Girls vs. Boys)

It is a common misconception that parents should wait until kids get all their permanent teeth before having an orthodontic consultation. By age 11-13, when most kids’ permanent teeth erupt, the options to correct underdeveloped bones are very limited. As some girls reach puberty as early as 13, it is imperative to start orthodontic treatment early when indicated.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances for Children

Functional orthodontic appliances can be permanently cemented or removable, resembling retainers, but are used to move bones.

Just a few of the appliances that we provide for our patients include:

  • Schwarz Appliance: A removable appliance is like a regular retainer, but expands dental arch so that incoming teeth erupt easily. Broadens upper smile; makes more room for crowded teeth.
  • Rapid Palatal Expander: A permanently cemented (fixed) appliance used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. Broadens upper smile and makes room for crowded teeth.
  • Herbst Appliance: A removable appliance that incorporates the use of upper and lower bite blocks to position the lower jaw forward or backward to help correct the bite.
  • Headgear Braces: Some cases with braces require headgear. Headgear is straps added to the head that has a metal wire that attaches to braces using elastics. Braces headgear is used to move upper or lower jaws forward. The straps around the head are used as anchorage to work against the force of the elastic to move the teeth and jaws forward. Modern orthodontics does not use headgear appliances as often as it was used in the past. Dental headgear is still used in rare cases when additional anchorage is needed.

Our Miami Orthodontist Offers Free Consultations

Call Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics for the best orthodontics in Miami! Dr. Julio Hernandez can help your kids improve their bite and their smile.

Call (305) 224-1138 for your free consultation on orthodontic appliances. Our Miami orthodontist is dedicated to helping our patients improve their smiles and their lives!

Meet The Team

Biscayne Dental & Facial Aesthetics
  • Julio  Hernandez, DMD Photo
  • Cesar  Hernandez, DDS Photo
  • Jose  Porras, DDS Photo
  • Abeer  Altarsha, RDH Photo
  • Julio  Hernandez, DMD Photo
    Julio Hernandez, DMD

    Founder, Dentist, Facial Aesthetic Expert

    Celebrated as the grand architect behind some of South Florida’s most brilliant smiles and beautiful faces, Dr. Julio E. ...
  • Cesar  Hernandez, DDS Photo
    Cesar Hernandez, DDS

    Dentist

    Dr. Cesar Hernandez comes from a long line of dentists. His grandfather, father, uncle, sister, and wife are all dentists. ...
  • Jose  Porras, DDS Photo
    Jose Porras, DDS

    Periodontal Surgery & Implantology, Dentist

    Dr. Rafael Porras was born and raised in San Jose Costa Rica. He is a graduate from the Dental School at the University of ...
  • Abeer  Altarsha, RDH Photo
    Abeer Altarsha, RDH

    Dental Hygienist

    Abeer has been working in the dental industry for about 19 years. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria where she also attended ...
    I would really recommend this place

    “This has been such an amazing time, the team and staff are awesome, and since you arrive, they treat you so good! I would really recommend this place, I am 100% satisfied with their work and the ...”

    - Marlene Irureta
    What a great office!!

    “Absolutely 5-star service from beginning to end.”

    - Stephen Piscitelli
    Amazing service

    “Amazing service, and friendly staff, I recommend Dr Julio Is So nice Very professional and make u feel comfortable In his beautiful clinic. Thanks again”

    - Emanuele Battagliola
    From the moment I entered I was immediately impressed with the overall look and atmosphere

    “Not just one but the entire staff was so friendly and welcoming I felt so at ease.”

    - JACE H.

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State of the Art Technology Focused on Helping You Receive a Better Experience

We utilize low-radiation dental x-rays, oral cancer screenings, and a 3-D digital impression system. These systems allow us to provide you with a better diagnosis, and more insightful solutions all while keeping you comfortable. No expense is spared in making sure we provide you with the best possible level of dental care.

Professional & Charitable Affiliations

  • The American Dental Association
    The American Dental Association
  • The International Association of Orthodontics
    The International Association of Orthodontics
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
    American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
    International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • Miami Beach Dental Society
    Miami Beach Dental Society
  • Angels for Humanity
    Angels for Humanity
  • American Academy of Facial Aesthetics
    American Academy of Facial Aesthetics
  • Internal Academy of Facial Aesthetics
    Internal Academy of Facial Aesthetics

Established & Effective

Procedures to Help You Feel Better
  • Proven Track Record

    More than 20 years of professional experience

  • Trusted & Effective

    Highly decorated and esteemed professionals

  • Recognized By The Press

    As a leading authority in cosmetic dentistry

  • Comprehensive Services

    Comprehensive dental services are offered at our office