Elastics (or rubber bands) are used to improve bite and jaw position, which affects how your top and bottom teeth fit together. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions regarding wearing your rubber bands to help them work effectively.
FORSUSâ„¢
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device, an alternative to headgear, helps eliminate overbites, improve bite and fit of teeth, and potentially prevent jaw surgery by moving the upper molars back and the lower arch forward.
HEADGEAR
Patients with an overbite or underbite will likely have their jaw corrected with headgear. This device gently pulls on your teeth to prevent further forward progression of tooth and jaw movement.
HERBST® APPLIANCE
The Herbst® appliance helps eliminate overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to grow and match the size of the upper jaw. This fixed appliance is primarily used on patients who are younger and growing over the course of 12-15 month.
PALATAL EXPANDER
Palatal expanders gradually widen your upper jaw through constant, gentle pressure on the upper molars to create more space in the mouth. The expander will be adjusted throughout the course of treatment and once the mouth is fully expanded, the device will be worn for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression.
POSITIONERS
Positioners are removable, rubber, intra-oral appliance that are used to make minor final adjustments in your orthodontic treatment. If the instructions are followed correctly, positioners typically only need to be in place for four to eight weeks.
RETAINERS
Retainers are typically used after braces have already straightened the teeth and are used to hold the teeth in place. Retainers may be removable or fixed and prevent teeth from regressing back to their old positions after your appliance is removed. Wearing your retainer according to directions is crucial to keep your teeth and smile healthy.
SEPARATORS OR SPACERS
Separators are small rubber doughnuts placed between teeth to push them apart. After separators have been in place for some time, they will be removed and orthodontic bands will be inserted. When wearing separators, make sure to avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss.
