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.
Nance Appliance
The Nance appliance is used to prevent upper back molars from rotating or moving forward after you've pushed the molars back. This keeps space open for the eruption of permanent premolar and canine teeth.
The appliance is made of two bands that are cemented onto the first molars and a wire that spans the roof of the mouth from one molar to the other. An acrylic pad or "button" covers the wire that touches the roof of your mouth directly behind the front teeth.
Pendulum Appliance
The pendulum appliance is used to correct the bite by moving back the upper molars, thus retracting the upper front teeth in the proper position. The appliance uses a plastic "button" placed on the roof of the mouth as an anchor for wire springs to move the molars into their correct positions.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is a fixed alternative to elastics and helps to eliminate excessive overbites and improve the fit of teeth.
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.
Protraction Facemask
A protraction facemask is a removeable orthodontic appliance used to correct a front crossbite or underbite of the front teeth. It works by protracting the upper jaw and restricting lower jaw growth. The facemask rests on the chin and forehead and is attached with elastics to an appliance attached to the teeth (usually an upper expander).
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 wheels 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.
