ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS
The Hawley Appliance: Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
The Hawley appliance has been a staple in orthodontics for decades. Originally designed as a retainer, this versatile appliance is now widely used as a removable orthodontic plate for children during active treatment.
History of the Hawley Appliance
Named after its inventor, Dr. Charles A. Hawley, this appliance was initially created to help maintain teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment. However, its design has been adapted for early orthodontic interventions,allowing for more control in guiding the growth of a child’s teeth and jaw.
How the Hawley Appliance Works
The Hawley appliance consists of a plastic base that rests against the roof of the mouth (or along the lower jaw) and metal wires that gently apply pressure to teeth.
For children, this appliance is ideal because it can be adjusted over time to encourage teeth to move into the desired positions. This helps guide tooth eruption and alignment without the need for fixed braces.
When Do We Use the Hawley Appliance?
In pediatric orthodontics, the Hawley appliance is commonly used for:
- Minor tooth movement in growing children
- Correcting minor crowding or spacing issues
- Guiding the eruption of permanent teeth
- Adjusting the bite to ensure proper jaw alignment
Because it’s removable, children can take it out during meals and when brushing their teeth, making it a flexible and comfortable option.
Hygiene Tips
Maintaining hygiene with a Hawley appliance is essential:
- Brush the appliance daily
- Soak it in a retainer cleaning solution at least once a week to prevent plaque buildup.
- Encourage children to brush their teeth thoroughly, before putting the appliance back in.
Hawley Appliance vs. Braces
English 
Bulgarian