Types of Appliances
To successfully complete the 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 and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed
Forsus Springs
Forsus springs are gentle springs that attach to the braces for a few months during the course of orthodontic tooth movement. The springs are designed to help move the bite into a normal relationship. Most commonly used to correct an overbite or a Class II bite discrepancy, the Forsus springs may be worn for three to six months.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite," with the uppers forward of the lowers, or an “underbite,” with the lowers forward of the uppers. Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander “expands” (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 he duration
of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression
of your treatment.
Click here for more information on how to care for your retainer.
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.