Types Of Appliances
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
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.
Herbst® Appliance
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.
Palatal Expander
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.
Retainers
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.
Pendex Appliance
The Pendex Appliance is fixed in place and uses an expansion screw to widen the upper jaw and push the upper teeth in a backward direction. This results in greater overall arch development with the appliance. This typically serves to correct both crowding and in some cases, flaring of the upper front teeth. This appliance is often used when functional appliances or headgear cannot deliver optimal results.
Separators Or Spacers
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.
Lingual Holding Arch
A lower lingual holding arch is a fixed appliance that preserves space in the lower dental arch. Acting as a “space maintainer,” this appliance keeps the lower molars from moving forward, where they might block permanent teeth from erupting.
