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™
Forsus springs are used for overbite correction later in treatment once the teeth are aligned, heavy wires are in place, and spaces are closed. They are sometimes planned for this usage from the beginning of treatment, but are sometimes used unexpectedly as a backup option when the patient’s rubber band wearing is less than ideal and a more predictable method of bite correction is needed. The Forsus setup consists of an upper spring portion and a lower rod portion that fit together to push lower teeth forward and upper teeth backward towards the desired bite position. This typically takes 5-6 months of the overall treatment time.
Carriere® Motion 3D™ Appliance
The Carriere Motion 3D Appliance is used to make bite corrections at the very beginning of treatment, before braces or aligners go on. It can be used for overbite or underbite correction. The Motion Appliance is a bar that is attached to a canine and 1st molar in one section of the mouth, with the canine portion having a rubber band hook. The rest of the very simple setup consists of placing a regular bracket or some other type of hook on the opposing molar, then attaching a rubber band from the canine hook of the Motion Appliance to the regular hook on the molar. The rubber band pulls the top teeth back in the case of overbite correction, while pulling the bottom teeth back in the case of underbite correction. The Motion Appliance is typically used for about 5-6 months, then removed so that treatment can continue with braces or aligners.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst appliance is a functional appliance that is used to correct moderate-to-severe overbites, where the lower jaw is positioned too far back relative to the position of the upper jaw. The design we use consists of crowns that are cemented over the 1st molars and a telescoping arm mechanism on each side that connects the top to the bottom. These arms hold the lower jaw in a more forward position, which can be adjusted throughout treatment as needed. The Herbst appliance is typically in place for about 10 months of the overall treatment time. During that time, a combination of forward movement of the lower teeth, backward movement of the upper teeth, and the patient’s normal growth work together to bring about the desired bite correction.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander "expands" (or widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment, or activation, is made. The expander is generally activated once per day, and expansion is typically completed in around 4 weeks. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance is left in place for approximately 6 months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Bonded Retainer
A bonded, or "permanent", retainer is a thin wire that is bonded in place behind the lower 6 front teeth. This area is the most likely area to show relapse of tooth movement after treatment, whether it is a few months after or many years after. This is why many orthodontic offices, including ours, choose this type as our standard retainer for the lower teeth.
Removable Retainers
Removable retainers may be the traditional metal bar and colored plastic type or they may be made only of clear plastic. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. They hold teeth in their new, correct positions after they have been straightened. Proper retainer wear is crucial to prevent unwanted tooth movement. Our usual recommended protocol for our patients is full-time wear for the first 3 months after treatment, then indefinite night-time wear after that.
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 the bands are placed. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
