Types Of Appliances
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Elastics (Rubber Bands)Elastics are small rubber bands that add extra pressure to braces to help move teeth. It is important to wear the rubber bands as instructed or treatment setbacks may occur.
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Separators or SpacersSeparators are small elastics that fit snugly between certain teeth to move them slightly apart so bands can be placed around them. Be careful not to eat sticky foods or floss while you have the separators as those items can pull the separator out. Before the bands are placed, we will remove the separators.
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Herbst® ApplianceThe Herbst appliance is used to correct an overbite by gently moving the lower jaw forward. It is attached to the back molars and used mostly in younger patients. We recommend wearing the Herbst appliance for 12-15 months.
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Palatal ExpanderA palatal expander is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw when the upper jaw is too narrow in relation to the lower jaw. When the expander is activated by turning a special key we provide, gentle pressure is put on the upper molars, slowly increasing the width. We will give you instructions on when and how to adjust your expander. Once the expansion is complete, you will continue to wear the expander for several months to prevent the upper jaw from regressing.
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HeadgearHeadgear is often used to correct an overbite or an underbite. This is done by placing gentle pressure against the upper teeth and jaw (or lower teeth and jaw for an underbite), which would hold the teeth in position and restrict forward growth.
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