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.


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. 
 

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite" (with the uppers forward of the lowers). Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw. 
 


The protraction facemask is used to treat patients with an "underbite." It gently pulls your upper teeth with elastics to encourage your upper teeth and jaw to grow forward. 
 

 

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 9-12 months.  
 

The twin block is used in younger, growing patients to reduce overbite and encourage the lower jaw forward. It is typically fixed in the mouth for the first 2 weeks and then removable for the remainder of its wear. It is typically worn for 9-12 months. 
 

The distal jet is used to move the upper molars/premolars back in order to obtain a better bite relation with the lower teeth. It is activated in the office and is fixed in place on the palate and upper teeth. 
 

The forsus is a spring device that is fixed in the mouth on either one side or both sides. It acts as a constant force to help move teeth. It is typically worn for 4-6 months.


TADs are miniscrews that are placed strategically in the mouth and used as an "anchor" to help move teeth in a most efficient and effective way. Most TADs are placed with only a topical gel for anesthesia and are very small and easy to remove.


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. 
 

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 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 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.

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