Appliances come into play at different stages of orthodontic treatment, either to hold teeth in their new position or, in some cases, to guide jaw growth for a better bite. They can be fixed or removable.
Types of Appliances
- Retainers: Worn after braces come off to hold teeth in place. Wear yours as prescribed to keep your results.
- Herbst® Appliance: Used to correct overbites, this fixed appliance is usually for younger patients.
- Palatal Expander: Widens the upper jaw by applying gentle outward pressure on the upper molars to slowly expand the palate.
- Spacers (Separators): Small plastic rings placed between back teeth before braces to create room for teeth to shift. If a spacer falls out, call us to see if it needs replacing. Don’t chew sticky foods or floss teeth that have spacers in place.
- Elastics (Rubber Bands): Used with fixed metal braces. Wear them at all times and change them daily as instructed.
- Headgear: For a severe overbite or underbite, headgear gently pulls on the teeth to limit forward growth.
- Positioners: Used for the final tooth movements, positioners are usually the last step in treatment.
Caring for Appliances
Like retainers, every orthodontic appliance should be worn as prescribed. Clean it with toothpaste once a day, and if you take it out to eat or play sports, store it in its case, never in a pocket or napkin where it can break or get tossed.
Pain and Soreness
It’s normal for new or recently adjusted appliances to cause some soreness or a slight change in your speech for a few days. If you get a sore spot on your gums, give us a call so we can adjust it.