CLASS II ELASTICS (RUBBER BANDS)
Class II Elastics are commonly used to correct Class II Dentition when a patient has an “overbite.” Elastics work best when the patient follows their orthodontics instructions as closely as possible.
CLASS III ELASTICS (RUBBER BANDS)
Class III Elastics are commonly used to correct Class III Dentition when a patient has an “Underbite.” Elastics work best when the patient follows their orthodontics instructions as closely as possible.
FACEMASK WITH HYRAX
The Facemask with a Hyrax is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. The combination of these devices gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
NIGHT BRACE
The Night Brace/Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
HERBST® APPLIANCE
The 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.
MARA APPLIANCE
Similar to the Herbst Appliance, the MARA 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.
2X4 APPLIANCE
The 2X4 Appliance is used during early orthodontic treatment to make space for the adult teeth to grow in properly.
PALATAL EXPANDER
The palatal expander “expands” (or 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.
LOWER LINGUAL HOLDING ARCH
The Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA) is a space maintenance appliance that is used to hold and maintain the lower first molars, preventing them from drifting forward/mesially and possibly blocking out lower bicuspids.
TRANS PALATIAL ARCH
The Trans-Palatal Arch (TPA) is a space maintainer for the upper jaw. It serves to maintain the position of the upper molars and prevents drifting of dentition.
NANCE BUTTON
The Nance Button is a space maintainer for the upper jaw. It maintains the position of the upper molars and prevents drifting of dentition.
DISTAL JET
The distal jet is a very useful appliance to help treat patients who have teeth that are blocked out and do not have enough room to grow in properly.
FIXED BITE PLATE
Similar in function to the Bite Turbo, a Fixed Bite Plate helps prevent the top teeth from interfering with the bottom brackets while treating an overjet or overbite.
BITE TURBOS
Bite Turbos serve as stoppers to prevent the top teeth from interfering with the bottom brackets while treating an overbite with braces.
TONGUE CRIB
The tongue crib helps prevent the patients from tongue thrust, which is a bad habit that can cause open bite and/or a gap between the two front teeth.
ESSIX RETAINERS
The Essix Retainer is a used to maintain bite and occlusion once treatment with braces or Invisalign has completed. 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.
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.
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.