Types of Appliances

Types of Appliances

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) between the upper and lower teeth will correct bite issues by improving the fit of the upper and lower teeth.

Forsus™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to wearing removable elastics and helps to eliminate excessive overjet while improving the fit of the back teeth.

Herbst® Appliance

The Herbst® appliance corrects excessive overbite in growing patients by enhancing forward growth of the lower jaw while moving the upper teeth back.

Invisalign®

Invisalign aligners are the clear alternative to metal braces for adults and teens. These clear aligners are the virtually invisible way to improve your smile.

Invisalign® First

Invisalign First is Phase 1 treatment in order to develop young jaws and/or arches to make room for existing teeth and for incoming permanent teeth.

Invisalign® with Mandibular Advancement

Invisalign clear aligners with mandibular advancement straighten teeth and move the jaw at the same time without brackets, wires, and bulky metal devices.

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.

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.