Types of Appliances
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 and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed.
Forsus
Forsus is an alternative to elastics or rubber bands for correction of “overbites”. The appliance does not require patient cooperation and does not need be changed throughout the day to be effective.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an “overbite” relationship - with the uppers forward of the lowers. Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Palatal Expander (Hyrax)
The palatal expander “expands” (widens) your upper jaw by putting 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 relapse.
Quad Helix
Quad Helix is an appliance that expands the upper dental arch. It is activated by Dr. Vossers at regular appointments.
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 relapse of your treatment changes. The two types are clear retainers and acrylic retainers.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber bands 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 can come out with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
Space maintainers (LLHA and Band & Loop): These appliances are used to hold space for permanent teeth when primary (baby) teeth are lost early.
X-bow
X-bow is an appliance that is an alternative to headgear to get bite correction. This appliance does not require patient cooperation.