Types of Appliances
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Types of Appliances
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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™
The Forsus™ appliance is specifically designed to help move your teeth to your doctor’s recommended positions. In some cases, this may help reduce the need for you to wear headgear or have extractions of permanent teeth. It works around the clock, using continuous gentle forces to provide as efficient a treatment time as possible.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an "underbite" with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® 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 12-15 months.
MARA, Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance
The MARA is designed to be a simple, durable Class II corrector. The appliance is generally anchored to the patient_s first molars with stainless steel crowns. The advantages of this appliance include reliability and a shortened treatment time.
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.
