Types of Appliances

To successfully complete an orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear, or other appliances as prescribed.

The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics (rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed because the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are worn as prescribed. Forgetting or neglecting to wear your rubber bands, even for one day, will allow the teeth to drift back to their previous positions. This will extend your treatment time significantly.

Forsus^® Appliance

The Forsus^® is designed to work like permanent rubber bands. It is used to improve the relationship between upper and lower teeth to improve your bite.

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite," (with the uppers forward of the lowers), a "deep bite" (where the upper teeth cover the lower teeth), or an "open bite" (when the front teeth do not touch when you bite). Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth and restricts further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.

Lingual Arch

A lingual arch is placed on lower molars to keep them from shifting when teeth are lost or when forces are used during orthodontic treatment. A wire bar connects the two sides of the lingual arch and rests comfortably below the teeth.

Palatal Arch

A palatal arch is placed on the upper molars and is similar to a lingual arch. Palatal arches are used for a variety of reasons including after palatal expansion to prevent relapse. Sometimes a small, smooth acrylic button is placed on the arch to prevent the upper teeth from shifting forward during treatment.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander 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 relapse.

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 can become dislodged with sticky foods or with toothpicks and floss. If they do become dislodged, please call the office so that they can be replaced before the next appointment.