Why don't more dentists/orthodontists use this crozat appliance? It is hard to find much info online about it.

Question

My 9 yo son has crowded teeth. Under the request of an orthodontist, we had 4 top baby teeth removed and now he has maybe 1/4 inch space where the teeth used to be. His teeth have come down and shifted back a little bit. I had a consultation with a dentist that uses a crozat appliance to open his mouth so he will have room for his permanent teeth. I had braces in the past and had my bicuspids removed and now I have TMJ because of it. I would like to avoid this for my son.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

The reason you don't hear much about the Crozat appliance is because it is not widely used anymore. It is a difficult appliance to master and there are much easier-to-use appliance options today that will accomplish the same thing as a Crozat. The first key to success with any orthodontic case is proper diagnosis but the second key to success is where many differences in philosophy occur. Some practitioners believe that arch development is critical before teeth can be properly aligned (these are doctors who use the Crozat or any number of newer appliances that accomplish the same objective). Other practitioners believe that teeth can be extracted in order to create the needed space to align teeth. Two different philosophies that each accomplish one of the desired outcomes (straight teeth) but the "extract teeth" philosophy ignores facial aesthetics, TMJ health and airway health.Kudos to you for knowing anything about the Crozat appliance. It is a great appliance that helped start the modern age of orthodontic treatment that pays strict attention to facial beauty, TMJ health and airway development. Unfortunately, most Crozat gurus are gone now and the newer, easier-to-use appliances (sagittal, Herbst, DNA, etc.) are much more popular. Rest assured, the newer appliances accomplish the same thing as the Crozat but generally in a more efficient manner.Good luck!

Oleg Drut, DDS · Answer

Crozat, Frenkel, Herbst etc there are just names. Many options do exist to expand for example or advance the jaw. It does not mean one is better than the others. Do not fall for the name. Make sure you find a good experienced orthodontist who will give you the most efficient treatment options.

Why don't more dentists/orthodontists use this crozat appliance? It is hard to find much info online about it.

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Why don't more dentists/orthodontists use this crozat appliance? It is hard to find much info online about it.

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.