There are different types of appliances and they play a crucial role in aligning your teeth and jaw for a healthier, more confident smile. At Orthodontic Partners, we offer different types of appliances designed to address specific alignment issues and support your orthodontic treatment. From elastics to retainers, each appliance is tailored to meet your unique needs and treatment goals.
ELASTICS (RUBBER BANDS)
Orthodontic appliances like elastics are essential for improving the fit between your upper and lower teeth. Wearing rubber bands as prescribed ensures they work effectively and efficiently, helping to achieve the best results.
FORSUS™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is a modern type of appliance that offers an alternative to headgear. It helps promote jaw growth in adolescents, corrects excessive overbites, and may even prevent the need for jaw surgery.
HEADGEAR
Headgear is a traditional type of appliance used to correct overbites and underbites. By gently pulling on the teeth, it restricts further growth of the upper jaw or guides the lower jaw into proper alignment.
HERBST® APPLIANCE
The Herbst® appliance is a fixed orthodontic appliance that reduces overbites by encouraging forward growth of the lower jaw and backward movement of the upper molars. Primarily used for younger patients, it is typically worn for 12-15 months.
PALATAL EXPANDER
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the molars. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the expander is worn for several months to stabilize the results and prevent regression.
POSITIONERS
Positioners are specialized types of appliances used at the end of your treatment to complete the final movements of your teeth. With full cooperation, positioners are typically worn for 4-8 weeks.
RETAINERS
Retainers are removable or fixed orthodontic appliances designed to hold your teeth in their new, straightened positions after braces or aligners. Proper use of retainers is essential to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment.
SEPARATORS OR SPACERS
Separators, also known as spacers, are small rubber bands placed between teeth to create space for orthodontic bands. These types of appliances are removed before the placement of bands and should be handled with care to avoid dislodging them.