Types of Appliances in Reston, VA
Orthodontic appliances are specialized devices used by orthodontists to correct dental irregularities, including misaligned teeth and jaws. These appliances can be either fixed or removable and are designed to apply consistent pressure to move teeth or the jaw into their correct positions over time. The type of appliance and how it is used can significantly influence the treatment process, duration, comfort, and overall success.
Elastics
Elastics are small rubber bands that you attach from your upper teeth to lower teeth (whether with braces or Invisalign®). There are many different configurations of elastics, depending on the movement Dr. Kim is trying to accomplish. Elastics help improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth together.
Forsus™
A Forsus is an appliance that consists of a spring on the right and left side that attaches from the top braces to the lower braces. It helps position the lower jaw forward when there is a big discrepancy in the bite between the upper teeth and lower teeth (a Class II malocclusion). It is mainly used on growing children and usually are used when patients come into our office with a big "overbite."
The Forsus is a more modern appliance compared to older appliances that are bulkier, more difficult to eat with, and more difficult to remove (which is more uncomfortable for the patient).
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is an appliance that widens your upper jaw. It is used when upper jaws are too narrow and/or when we need to make more space for permanent teeth.
Dr. Kim’s extensive experience with palatal expanders has led her to use lower expanders as well. Expanders can be very effective and cause a significant improvement, particularly when making more room for future permanent teeth. This can affect future treatment, making things easier for the patient and ultimately the parent(s).
Retainers
Any patient who goes through orthodontic treatment needs a retainer after treatment. They are just as important as your treatment. Just as things change in our bodies as we age, for the majority of people, our teeth "change" and move as well. Retainers hold the teeth and bite where they are.
Not wearing retainers after going through orthodontic treatment is one of the most common reasons why adults do treatment again, if they didn't wear their retainers after their first treatment as an adolescent.
Separators or Spacers
Spacers or separators are tiny rubber circles that are placed between teeth (usually molars) to make space for a metal band. Metal bands are only used these days for appliances such as an expander (which are placed mainly in children, not adults).
