Types of Appliances

Orthodontists use a variety of appliances to craft that perfect smile. Each patient has a unique plan mapped out to achieve the desired end result. Patients may need one, none or a combination of orthodontic appliances such as elastics, headgear or an expander to fit their needs.

Separators

Separators are small rubber circles that are wedged between the back teeth to make room for the metal bands used in braces. Separators are removed before the bands are placed and can be pulled loose if the patient eats sticky food or tries to use a toothpick or floss while they are in place.

Elastics

Elastics, also called rubber bands, help to improve the fit of upper and lower teeth. Rubber bands can be attached and worn in an assortment of ways, from front teeth to back teeth, from top teeth to bottom teeth or several other combinations.

It is important to wear elastics as instructed by the orthodontist to keep on track toward straight teeth.

Headgear

Headgear is a removable tool that orthodontists use when the patient suffers from an overbite or an underbite. Headgear is a soft strap with springs or elastics attached to it and a metal part called a facebow that fits into the molar hands or onto a retainer. It adds gentle pressure to normal braces to aid in bite correction. Orthodontists prescribe the amount of time to wear headgear per day based on the severity of the case.

Herbst Appliance

Another appliance used to correct an overbite is a Herbst Appliance. The appliance holds the lower jaw in a forward position and pushes the upper molars farther back in the mouth. This appliance is not removable and is worn for 12 to 15 months.

Expander

A palatal expander is a fixed appliance that widens the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The orthodontist decides how often an adjustment is needed based on how far the jaw needs to be widened.

The patient wears the expander for several months after the desired width is achieved to prevent the mouth from returning to the original position.

Positioners

Positioners often are used to complete orthodontic treatment, sometimes shortening the overall length of time that other appliances must be worn. The positioner is an elastic device that looks like a mouthpiece used during sports. Imprints of the teeth are in the positioner and have been arranged in as perfect a bite as possible.

The positioner is used after removal of the braces. It guides the teeth into their final ideal placement.

Retainers

Retainers are used after treatment is finished to hold teeth in their new, correct positions. They are typically made of rubber or clear plastic and metal wires that cover the outside surface of the teeth. Retainers can be fixed or removable and are essential in maintaining the ideal position.