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.
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.
MARA Appliance
MARA is a "fixed" orthodontic appliance. It works to move your lower jaw forward so that the top and bottom teeth will meet. With MARA in place, as you bite down, your lower jaw will slide forward. With time, jaw correction will occur and the bottom jaw will move forward to align with the top jaw. Typically, it takes about 9-12 months for full jaw correction with MARA.
Arnold Expander
This Arnold expander is used to "expand" (or widen) your lower jaw by putting light, continuous force on your lower molars. The use of a spring, rather than a screw, eliminates regular adjustments and provides for a more comfortable experience. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Schwartz Expander
Much like the other expander appliances, the Schwartz expander fits in the roof of your mouth. It is made of acrylic and metal. The purpose of the Schwartz expander is to increase the width of the upper jaw. This is done by turning the screw that is in the center of the appliance, which adjusts the force placed on your jaw. You will do this for a period of time directed by your Orthodontist. Unlike the other expander appliances, this appliance is not "fixed" -- you will take the expander out of your mouth to turn the screw.
