Orthodontic Appliances
During orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may prescribe a variety of appliances to help guide tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. Below is an overview of some commonly used orthodontic appliances and how they work.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics, also known as rubber bands, helps improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Elastics apply gentle pressure that helps guide teeth and jaws into their correct positions.
It is important to wear your rubber bands exactly as instructed. Elastics work far more efficiently when they are worn consistently and as prescribed by your orthodontist.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to traditional headgear. It is commonly used during adolescence to help promote jaw growth, reduce excessive overbites, improve how the teeth fit together, and in some cases help prevent the need for jaw surgery.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the upper molars each time the appliance is adjusted. Your orthodontist will provide instructions on when and how to make adjustments.
Once the desired expansion has been achieved, the expander is worn for several additional months. This allows the bone to stabilize and helps prevent the jaw from returning to its original width.
Positioners
Positioners are used during the final phase of orthodontic treatment to complete minor tooth movements. With full cooperation, most patients only need to wear the positioner appliance for approximately four to eight weeks.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They are worn after braces are removed to hold teeth in their new, corrected positions. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how long to wear your retainer and how to properly care for it.
Wearing your retainer exactly as directed is essential to prevent teeth from shifting and to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Separators or Spacers
Separators, also called spacers, are small rubber rings placed between teeth to create space before orthodontic bands are fitted. These separators are removed before the bands are placed.
While wearing separators, avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss, as these can dislodge the separators before your next appointment.