Early arch development in children is key to ensuring healthy growth. What’s more, by expanding arch width space and correcting crowding, you’re not just guiding tooth movement, you’re profoundly influencing airway health, balance and long-term function. Think about it – from start to finish, crossbites to overjet, early action with right appliance shapes more than just a smile.

THE RIGHT STUFF: TWIN BLOCK FORCE, DESIRED ARCH INFLUENCE

The Twin Block Appliance applies continuous controlled force using two angled bite blocks to guide the mandible into a forward position. Over time, this helps reduce excessive overjet and correct deep bites – while guiding proper molar eruption. An expansion screw can enhance later development, as well.

Since 1957, SML  -- Space Maintainers Laboratories – has reshaped, revolutionized and redefined what it means to be a dental lab partner in our ever-changing, ever-challenging industry. Strengthened by a global network of elite labs and distinguished by its commitment to innovative technology, SML also remains true to its long-demonstrated commitment to personalized care and connection. When it comes to providing unmatched orthodontic and orthopedic solutions, service and support, we deliver.

SMART ORTHO STARTS EARLY…MEET THE AES-RPE

Engineered for early intervention, e.g. nasomaxillary expansion and airway improvement -- as young as age 3 --the AES-RPE is a bonded light-cured expander that makes maxillary expansion easier, faster, and more comfortable for both provider and patient.

• Two-Step Install – no separators or bands required.   

Early intervention isn’t just about straight teeth. It’s about shaping healthier arches, ensuring clear airways, and supporting healthy development…from childhood through adulthood. It’s also critical that it be addressed at the very beginning of dental/orthopedic care as part of a carefully created expansion strategy.

THINKING BEYOND THE BITE

When treating young patients with crowding crossbites or overjets, you must not overlook the airway. Maxillary expansion can improve tongue posture, reduce mouth breathing and support proper craniofacial development. A broader arch today can mean better sleep, improved behavior and optimized health tomorrow

Retention isn’t just the final step in orthodontic and dental therapy…it’s an absolutely critical phase that supports the body’s adaptation to tooth movement. It is, quite simply, an ongoing concern

Even the best designed retainer is compromised if the patient neglects oral hygiene or skips retainer use entirely. Poor hygiene not only increases the risk of relapse – especially when it comes to lower anterior crowding – but it can also contribute to more serious calamities like gingival inflammation or periodontal disease.

BOTTOM LINE:  Final retention must be tailored and carefully curated to meet the requirements -- both immediate and ongoing -- of both the clinical case and the patient’s habits.

Retention isn’t not a one-size-fits-all proposition. To ensure long-term treatment stability, viability and patient satisfaction, retention, retention must be carefully strategized. Such strategies should consider factors such as the type of orthodontic treatment performed, duration of anticipated retention, periodontal health, patient hygiene capacity, and future restorative needs.

Customizing the approach ensures that the chosen appliance effectively balances function, efficacy and patient compliance -- minimizing the risk of relapse and safeguarding treatment results.

Once orthodontic therapy is complete, the real work begins…the focus shifts to ensuring, safeguarding and optimizing the results. The retention phase allows soft tissue and bone to adapt to imposed treatment parameters and stabilize for the long-term.

For clinicians and dental technicians alike, designing and employing the right retainer is key. Precision matters.

AN EFFECTIVE RETAINER SHOULD:

• Secure teeth in their corrected positions

• Minimize relapse risk

• Allow natural function and adaptation

• Fit comfortably, operate discretely, maintain easily.

And designing an individualized patient retention protocol focuses on ensuring proper positioning for long-Term patient comfort and compliance.

Digital dentistry is transforming how orthodontists and dentists deliver care—and Space Maintainers Laboratories is leading the way with advanced digital services designed to streamline case submissions, improve appliance accuracy, and boost patient satisfaction.

Through our digital platform, practitioners can upload digital impressions, access case tracking, and collaborate with our skilled lab technicians in real time. These tools eliminate delays, reduce errors, and ensure every dental appliance is made to precise specifications.

Splint therapy is often the first-line choice because it’s reversible, non-invasive, and diagnostically informative…ideal for evaluating occlusion, jaw alignment, and muscle relaxation.

Whether you're managing pain, testing occlusion, or prepping for restorative work—splints provide a clinical foundation you can trust.

Start simple. Start safe. Start with a splint.

Bruxism-related damage is one of the most common—and preventable—causes of cracked restorations, worn dentition, and chronic discomfort. Early detection and the right solution can spare patients years of pain and complex restorations.

EARLY CHECKS CAN PREVENT LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS AND A LIFETIME OF PAIN.

Begin with a simple Patient Q & A:

Do you wake up with jaw pain or headache?

Have you noticed tooth wear, chipping or sensitivity?

Has you significant other ever mentioned that you grind your teeth at night?

Then consider these custom options:

Stabilization Splints…to control occlusal forces and protect existing restorations.

Nightguards…to minimize wear and provide muscle relief.

Functional Splints…to address occlusion and guide treatment planning.

When prescribing a splint, are you choosing based on patient comfort, clinical function…or both? How do you know that it’s the right choice?

Making the right choice is critical to ensuring long-term performance and optimum results.

When weighing the options for which splint will yield the outcome you and your patient desire, begin by asking yourself the following key questions:

• Does the splint allow for precise occlusal adjustment?

• Will the splint effectively reduce occlusal stresses and protective restorative work?

• Can the splint provide anterior guidance and proper disarticulation in protrusive movements