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.
Forsus® Appliance
The Forsus® 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 3-6 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.
Bite Splint Retainer
Bite splint retainers are worn at night. They do double duty. They hold the teeth in their newly corrected positions and also protect the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) , chewing muscles , and the teeth from the excessive forces of night time clenching or grinding habits.
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Clear Aligners and Essix Retainers
A series of Clear aligners moves the teeth by increments. Clear Essix, and Vivera® retainers are worn indefinitely to hold the teeth in their new positions.
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Invisible Bonded Retainers
Invisible bonded retainers behind the upper and lower front teeth are worn indefinitely to protect patients from relapse.
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.
Anterior Crossbite Appliance
Bite Turbos
Life with Braces / Types of Braces / Types of Appliances
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