Types of Appliances
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To successfully complete your 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.
Herbst® Appliance
This Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12 months.
Mara® Appliance
(Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) is used similarly to Herbst appliance. Just like the Herbst appliance it reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars backward.
Pendulum Appliance®
Is used in lieu of headgear on our preteen and teenage patients with little to no effort required by the patient. It gently pushes the upper molars backwards to create space for overly crowded teeth. Patients find it very comfortable and will usually wear the appliance for 3-4 months.
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.
Lingual Holding Arch
This appliance helps to hold space open for adult teeth when deciduous (baby teeth) are lost prematurely. In most cases this appliance can prevent the need for extractions due to crowding.
Positioners
Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for 4-8 weeks.
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 or with toothpicks and floss.