Types of Appliances

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.

Trans-Palatal Arch (TPA)

 A Trans-Palatal Arch is used to hold upper molars in place, stabilizing the position of these teeth. The TPA has a     looped wire that spans the roof of the mouth without touching it.

Lingual Holding Arch

A lingual arch is placed on lower molars to keep them from shifting and so it is a space maintaining appliance. A wire bar connects the two sides of the lingual arch and rests comfortably below the teeth.

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.