Types of Appliances
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Chin cup
A chin cup is used to close an openbite. It directs force to the lower jaw, through the attachment of a cup fitting over the chin to a headcap.
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.
Facemask
An orthodontic facemask (reverse headgear) is used to correct an under-bite. A facemask is designed to fix the discrepancy between your upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients who have an overbite, when the upper jaw is forward of the lower jaw. Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Lip Bumper
A lip bumper is an archwire attached to a molded piece of plastic. The lipbumper holds back the molars on your lower jaw to provide more space for your 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.