Types of Appliances
The following is a list of some commonly used orthodontic appliances:
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
If worn properly, rubber bands can improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth.
Headgear
The most common headgear used in orthodontics pushes back on the upper teeth. This headgear is typically used for children who have “bucked teeth”. However, there are various types of headgears that your orthodontist may include in your treatment plan, depending what your individual needs are.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst is a fixed appliance that encourages forward growth of the lower jaw. This appliance is typically used for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12 months.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander is a fixed appliance that widens your upper jaw. This appliance is used to create room for unerupted permanent teeth.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. We 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 relapse of your treatment. Click here to learn more about retainer wear.
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 can be easily removed with sticky foods and floss. It is important to keep the separators in place until your next appointment.