Types of Appliances
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth (the bite). Wearing elastics as instructed is very important for the bite fixing phase of treament--which is usually the longest and most difficult part of the whole process.
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.
Facemask
The facemask is an appliance used to create forces to guide the teeth and the upper jaw forward. It is design to correct the under bite and it is worn in conjuntion with an expander. The facemask therapy is often restricted to growing patients.
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.
Twin Force
The Twin Force is one of the latest in technology for correcting class II bite problems. The Twin force is used to help moving the lower arch forward. Composed of a spring, the appliance is used while you wear braces. It runs from the upper to the lower archwire.
Carriere Distalizer
The Carriere Distalizer has an effect similar to headgear, but without the bulky appliance. It pushes the upper teeth back to create a corrected bite prior to the addition of braces.
Lingual Arch
A lingual arch can be used as a space maintainer in younger patients to hold the space for their permanent teeth to erupt. It can also be used as an anchorage appliance in patients with full braces.
Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small titanium anchors used in certain orthodontic cases to help achieve quicker tooth movement with more efficiency and comfort. TADs may be used in addition to braces or as an alternative to headgear.
