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.
Try On Your Braces with Colorful Elastics!
Forsus™
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.
Pendulum Appliance
The Pendulum Appliance consists of a plastic “button” that touches the roof of the mouth and wire springs to move the molars back. Patients usually wear this appliance for 3 to 5 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.
Lower Schwartz Expander
Lower Schwartz Expander is an orthodontic appliance that is used to expand lower dental arch.
MARA
MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) is used to encourage forward growth of the lower jaw. Typically, the appliance is secured to the first molars using stainless steel crowns, and is usually worn for 15-18 months.
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.
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.