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.
Positioners
Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for 4-8 weeks.
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.
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block is a removable two piece “functional” appliance to enhance lower jaw growth. Its purpose is to correct the upper and lower jaw relationship orthopedically by encouraging forward lower jaw growth. It allows the full range of jaw movement including normal eating and speaking. The appliance is worn 22 hours daily.
Fixed Functional Appliance
A fixed functional appliance is similar to a “Herbst” appliance. It moves the lower teeth forward and upper teeth back to reduce dental protrusion problems. It allows a normal range of jaw motion, including eating and speaking. It is usually used for 6-9 months.