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.
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.
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below 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.
Step 1
In a well-lit area tip the patient's head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Step 3
Pushing the key towards the back of the mouth, you will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
By pushing back and down towards the tongue, remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
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.
Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »
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.
Forsus™
The Forsus™ appliance is specifically designed to help move your teeth to your doctor’s recommended positions. In some cases, this may help reduce the need for you to wear headgear or have extractions of permanent teeth. It works around the clock, using continuous gentle forces to provide as efficient a treatment time as possible.
MARA
The MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) is designed to be a simple, durable Class II corrector. The appliance is generally anchored to the patient’s first molars with stainless steel crowns. The advantages of this appliance include reliability and a shortened treatment time.
The upper “elbows” may be removed by the clinician or staff, facilitating comfort and advancement adjustments. Patients adapt to the MARA in a few days and sore spots are minimal. The appliance may be advanced unilaterally or bilaterally and works well in skeletal midline asymmetry cases. Upper and lower archwire tubes are standard, allowing the clinician the option of using fixed mechanics during the MARA therapy. A lower lingual arch is also a standard element of the appliance. Other popular options include expansion screws, habit devices, transpalatal bars, crown removal holes and ligation modifications.
An accessory kit is available that includes advancement shims/spacers, extra elbows (2 sizes) and a torquing tool to aid in elbow adjustments.