Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so 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.
Crossbite Corrector
The crossbite corrector “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. We will instruct you about when and how to adjust your corrector. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
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.
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 to 15 months.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Our office 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.
Habit Appliance
There are several kinds of habit appliances, such as thumb-sucking appliances or a tongue crib, that help reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of sucking a finger or of an overactive tongue. Strong thumb sucking can make the front teeth move and even reshape the jaw bones, causing the upper front teeth to flare while the lower front teeth move back and inward. Severe habits can create an open bite. An overactive tongue can also create a space between the front teeth or jaws.