Types of Appliances

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™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist 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 regression of your treatment.

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 do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.

Crossbow Appliance

Recognized as a Class II corrector or functional appliance, the crossbow is designed to realign the lower jaw, ensuring proper alignment with the upper jaw for optimal harmony between the upper and lower jaws.

Video of Crossbow Appliance: Click Here

Carriere Motion Appliance

Referred to as a Class II corrector or functional appliance, the crossbow is designed to shift the lower jaw forward, facilitating a proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws.

Video of Carriere Motion Appliance: Click Here

Facemask (reverse pull headgear) Appliance

In certain instances where an "underbite" is evident, characterized by the lower jaw positioned ahead of the upper jaw, a reverse pull headgear, commonly known as a face mask, may be employed as a component of the treatment plan. This device is crafted to tackle the size disparity between the upper and lower jaws by gently shifting the upper jaw forward, thereby aiding in the correction of the malocclusion.

Video of Facemask (reverse pull headgear) Appliance: Click Here