To successfully complete the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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