Braces & Clear Aligners in Keller
Options for Every Smile
Dr. Gopffarth and the team at McReynolds Orthodontics love what we do, and we love bringing you the latest options in orthodontic care. Whether you’re getting modern metal braces, clear aligners, or clear braces, you know you’re getting the best at our practice.
Treating Children with Cleft Lip & Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common congenital conditions, affecting thousands of children each year.
Babies with cleft lips generally have repairs within their first few months, while palate repairs are typically scheduled before 18 months of age. Dr. Gopffarth employs these corrective surgeries to restore normal mouth function and improve appearance.
Restoring Function & Appearance for Your Child
A cleft lip is an incomplete formation of the upper lip, while a cleft palate is an opening on the roof of the mouth. These conditions can occur together or separately, affecting one or both sides of the mouth.
Corrective surgeries can enable your child to eat, speak, and hear normally, significantly improving daily function and comfort.
Cause & Correction
Clefts typically form early in pregnancy, with the cause often unknown. Most cases are not associated with other syndromes, although genetic and environmental factors can play a role. Through specialized surgical techniques, cleft lip and palate repairs restore essential functions for eating, speaking, and breathing.
A Collaborative Team Approach
Effective treatment for cleft lip and palate involves a team of specialists, including a plastic surgeon, orthodontist, and speech pathologist. Early intervention focuses on feeding support, dental restoration, and speech development to prioritize your child’s growth and comfort.
Beyond Appearance
Cleft surgeries, such as cheiloplasty for cleft lip and palate reconstruction, are designed to improve function first. They address oral muscle function and restore the lip and palate structures, which help facilitate normal speech, hearing, and jaw development.
Timing of Surgery
Cleft lip repairs generally occur between two to six months, with cleft palate surgery following around 9 to 18 months. Depending on your child’s needs, additional surgeries may be recommended, including bone grafts or dental surgery to support jaw and tooth development as they grow.
Targeted Orthodontic Solutions
Beyond traditional braces and aligners, McReynolds Orthodontics offers a range of specialized treatments to address unique orthodontic needs. These advanced appliances assist with bite correction, jaw alignment, and proper development, providing tailored solutions for every smile.
RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)
The Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) creates space in the upper jaw to correct crossbites and improve alignment. This appliance gradually widens the palate, allowing for better spacing and addressing crowding issues.
Commonly used in younger patients, an RPE supports proper jaw development early on. By expanding the palate early, it reduces the need for more extensive treatment later, making it a simple yet powerful tool for balanced growth.
Herbst Appliance
Designed to correct overbites, the Herbst appliance encourages forward growth of the lower jaw. Attached to the molars, it gently moves the lower jaw into better alignment with the upper jaw.
Often recommended for children and teens, the Herbst appliance helps promote balanced jaw function. Its design allows for continuous improvement, giving patients an effective way to achieve a natural, functional bite without daily adjustments.
Facemask
The facemask appliance is used for correcting underbites, guiding the upper jaw forward to align with the lower jaw. Attached to braces or bands, this appliance exerts gentle forward pressure.
Ideal for younger patients, the facemask is often worn at night, providing an effective, non-surgical option for addressing skeletal discrepancies. Consistent use helps improve bite function and balance the facial profile over time.
Carriere Motion Appliance
The Carriere Motion Appliance corrects bite alignment early in treatment. This sleek device attaches to the teeth and shifts them to improve bite functionality before braces or aligners are applied.
Effective for both children and adults, the Carriere appliance shortens treatment time while enhancing comfort and efficiency. By aligning teeth before full treatment, it creates a solid foundation for fantastic results.
Thumb Crib (Habit Corrector)
The thumb crib, also known as a habit corrector, helps break thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits that can impact dental and jaw development. This custom appliance gently discourages these habits, protecting against improper alignment and bite issues.
Ideal for younger patients, the thumb crib promotes healthy oral growth and ensures orthodontic treatment progresses as planned. It’s a simple yet effective way to set the stage for a beautifully aligned smile!