Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or 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.
Headgear
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.
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Facemask Appliance
A facemask appliance is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an underbite with the upper jaw back in relation to the lower jaw. The facemask appliance gently “pulls” your upper jaw forward. The appliance is worn until the jaws are in an overcorrected position. The goal is to wear the appliance 10 to 12 hours per night.
Powerscope (AM Ortho)
The Powerscope orthodontic appliance is a type of Class II corrector that helps to move the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward to improve the bite and achieve a more balanced smile.
Herbst Appliance
The Herbst orthodontic appliance is a type of fixed functional appliance used to correct Class II malocclusions by positioning the lower jaw forward to achieve better jaw alignment and facial balance. It is attached to the upper and lower teeth using bands and allows for a range of jaw movement while still maintaining the proper bite position.
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. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Adjusting the palatal expander
You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document.
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient's head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
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.
