Types of Appliances

 Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss. 

 The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression. 

 The lower lingual holding arch (LLHA) is a space maintaining appliance. It consists of two metal bands attached to the lower first molars connected by a wire that runs along the inside of your lower teeth. The purpose of this appliance is to prevent your lower molars from moving.

 MARA is a fixed orthodontic appliance, it is “fixed” in place and cannot be removed. This orthodontic appliance works to move the patient's lower jaw forward so that the top and bottom teeth will meet.

 The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months. 

 The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery. 

A face mask is used when the upper jaw and/or teeth need to be brought forward. A headgear is typically worn to move the upper molars back, or used to hold the upper jaw back in order to slow growth while allowing the lower jaw freedom to grow forward.

 Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed. 

 Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.