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.
Carriere Motion Appliance
The Carriere Motion appliance is used to correct large overjet (Class II bite) OR a underbite (Class III bite) patients. The appliance is used before braces or Invisalign are placed and can be used in both growing patients and adults.
The Carriere Motion appliance involves the use of a metal bar which attaches to some of the upper back teeth. The lower teeth will get an Invisalign style retainer, full braces, or a single brace at the back. An elastic band will connect the lower anchor tooth to the upper metal bar. That's it! The appliance will start to correct the bite and then braces/Invisalign will finish off treatment.
Crossbow Appliance
This appliance is used to help correct excessive overjet (when the upper front teeth protrude too far in front of the lower teeth), and is particularly useful in cases where the lower jaw is under-developed relative to the upper jaw.
The crossbow also has a component to widen a narrow upper jaw.
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.
Twin Block Appliance
The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene. It is also more comfortable than other jaw-correcting appliances, as it is made out of smooth acrylic and utilizes fewer wires.
The result of using a twin block appliance is a broad, beautiful smile, proper jaw function, improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.
