Types of Appliances

To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed.

The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment. If you're unable to open PDF files, you can get Adobe Reader® for free.

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 or with toothpicks and floss. Learn more [PDF]

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics (rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed because the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are worn as prescribed. Learn more [PDF]

Invisalign Aligners

Invisible braces? You bet, this is the brace free alternative to moving your teeth without all the metal! These removable trays are custom made with the doctor’s prescription to move your teeth. Each tray is worn an average of 2 weeks each, and over a period of months you’ll get the smile you’ve always wanted. The advantages of Invisalign include no diet restrictions and a tremendous ease of brushing and flossing. Come in for your complimentary exam to find out if you’re a candidate! Learn more [PDF]

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander “expands” (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. Learn more [PDF]

Herbst® Appliance

This Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months. Learn more [PDF]

Distal Jet Appliance

The Distal Jet is used to move upper molars back. After the molars are back to the position desired, the rest of your teeth are retracted into the space made and your bite is idealized. Learn more [PDF]

Transpalatal Arch

Most people get a Transpalatal Arch to maintain arch width and aid in molar movement that wires alone can't achieve.

Nance, Lingual Arch, or band and loop

A Nance, Lingual Arch, or band and loop prevent the permanent molars from shifting forward allowing crowded teeth to spread out. It remains in place until permanent teeth begin erupting.

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an “overbite,” (with the uppers forward of the lowers) or an “underbite” (with the lowers forward of the uppers). Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw. Learn more [PDF]

Clear Removable Retainers (Essix)

A clear retainer worn 24 hours a day after full braces are removed. Learn more [PDF]

Nighttime Removable Retainers

Retainers hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment. Learn more [PDF]

Fixed/Glued Wire Retainers

A bonded retainer is made from stainless steel wire and glued to the tongue side of your teeth. Bonded retainers are an excellent retainer options. They allow you to keep that beautiful smile as long as you do your part.