Types of Appliances

You’ve started orthodontic treatment, and we’re excited to give you a perfect smile! You’ve probably heard a lot of new terms and are looking for more information that will help you navigate the world of braces. Here are the most common appliances we use to help create more space in your mouth, move teeth into their new positions, and keep them straight after you’ve completed treatment:

Separators or Spacers

Separators are small rubber donuts placed between teeth to push them apart, making room for orthodontic bands. After the spacers have done their job, they will be removed and bands will be placed around your teeth. You may feel some discomfort while your teeth move apart; refrain from eating sticky foods and using toothpicks or dental floss so your spacers stay in place.

Elastics or Rubber Bands

Rubber bands are used to fine-tune the fit of your upper and lower teeth. When worn as instructed, they work efficiently to correct your bite.

Herbst® Appliance

This is a fixed appliance used mostly for younger, growing children. It is worn for 12-15 months and reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward.

Palatal Expander

This appliance widens your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time the adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will teach you how and when to make the adjustments. Once the final adjustment is made, you will continue to wear it in place to solidify the expansion.

Positioners

Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment plan. When worn as instructed, you should only need to wear this appliance about for 4 – 8 weeks.

Retainers

Retainers come 2 ways: fixed or removable. After your teeth have been straightened, retainers are used to “retain” your teeth in their new corrected positions. Your orthodontist will let you know how to care for your retainer and how long you will need to wear it. Be sure to follow instructions, as your retainer is necessary to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original positions.