Types of Appliances
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics, or rubber bands, aid in improving the alignment of your upper and lower teeth. Worn as instructed, they enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment when used consistently.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device offers an alternative to headgear, stimulating growth in adolescents to correct overbites, enhance teeth alignment, and potentially avoid the need for jaw surgery.
Headgear
Headgear is prescribed for patients with overbites or underbites, gently guiding the teeth to restrict further forward growth of the upper jaw.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance addresses overbites by encouraging forward movement of the lower jaw and backward adjustment of the upper molars, typically worn for about 12-15 months, particularly beneficial for growing children.
Palatal Expander
This device widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the molars, gradually expanding the jaw's width over time under the orthodontist's guidance.
Positioners
Positioners finalize orthodontic treatment by fine-tuning tooth movements, usually worn for a short period, typically four to eight weeks, to solidify the results.
Retainers
Retainers maintain the corrected tooth positions after orthodontic treatment, available in removable or fixed forms, crucial for preventing regression if worn as directed by the orthodontist.
Separators or Spacers
These small rubber doughnuts create space between teeth, facilitating the placement of orthodontic bands during subsequent appointments, typically removed before band placement.
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block appliance consists of two separate devices for the upper and lower arches, working together to advance the lower jaw position, enhancing jaw function and achieving a broad, aesthetically pleasing smile.
MARA Appliance
The Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA) aids in correcting severe overbites by encouraging lower jaw growth, often minimizing the need for extractions or jaw surgery, and anchored to molars with upper attachments for adjustment flexibility.