Types of Appliances

Elastics

Elastics are small rubber bands that help move teeth into proper alignment. Typically, one side is connected to the top jaw and the other side to the bottom jaw which is helpful in creating an ideal bite.

Forsus™ Nitinol Flat Spring

A Forsus is a small rod with a spring surrounding it, and is meant to replace or prevent the need for a headgear or even jaw surgery. These are typically used to address overjet or an overbite.

Headgear

A headgear is used to treat patients with either an overbite, where the front jaw extends well beyond the lower jaw, or an underbite, where the lower jaw rests in front of the top jaw. Headgear gently “pulls” on the orthodontic appliance in your mouth to encourage ideal jaw placement.

Herbst® Appliance

This appliance attaches to the back teeth and applies constant forward pressure on the lower jaw and constant backward pressure on the upper jaw in order to correct an overbite.

Palatal Expander

This device is used to widen the upper jaw. Adjustments are made periodically to maintain pressure on the jaw so that it keeps growing. Once you’ve achieved the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the progress made.

Positioners

Similar in feel to clear plastic retainers, positioners are used to complete final tooth movement and placement without the need for braces.

Retainers

Made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both, retainers are necessary to help keep your teeth in place once your braces come off.

Separators or Spacers

Separators or spacers are tiny rubber bands that are placed between your back teeth. The bands push the teeth apart, making space for metal bands, which hold other appliances in place, like braces or palatal expanders.

Twin Block Appliance

The twin-block appliance is made of two acrylic blocks that work together to advance the lower jaw position and correct an overbite. This appliance is made to be worn full-time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene.

Mara Appliance

MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is not removable and anchored to the molars, requiring periodic adjustment by your orthodontist. It works to encourage lower jaw growth to correct severe overbites.