My niece is nine years old and is wearing an orthodontic appliance called a Frankel. Isn’t this too young? And what is the purpose of this removable appliance? Do they work?

As we have written, early treatment can reduce how the upper teeth stick out, getting them out of harm’s way. The Frankel is an excellent appliance for correcting this condition during the growth years. Also known as a function regulator, the appliance modifies the way that the lips, tongue, teeth and jaws interact. When the upper teeth stick out too far, the lower lip is trapped under the upper front teeth. This entrapment draws the lower front teeth inward and forces the uppers even more outward, especially during swallowing. The Frankel causes the patient to posture the lower jaw forward and normalizes the position of the lower lip on the outside of the upper front teeth. This appliance can provide many children with an excellent result, many times avoiding the need for braces. Cooperation is the key!