Types of Appliances
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 12-15 months.
Carriere® Motion 3D™
With its sleek, aesthetic, and non-invasive design, the Motion 3D Correction Appliance provides greater comfort and shortens treatment time by up to four months. Delivering a natural, gentle, and uniform force for distal molar movement with controlled rotation and tipping correction before brackets or other appliances are placed, the Motion 3D Appliance solves complex problems almost effortlessly.
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.
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.
Twin Block Appliance
The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene. It is also more comfortable than other jaw-correcting appliances, as it is made out of smooth acrylic and utilizes fewer wires.
The result of using a twin block appliance is a broad, beautiful smile, proper jaw function, improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.
PROPEL Orthodontics
A fast, gentle way to accelerate your orthodontic treatment. We are excited to offer accelerated orthodontic treatment with PROPEL Orthodontics! If you’re interested in improving the aesthetics of your smile but are put off by the thought of having to spend months, or even years, in braces, PROPEL could be right for you. This state-of-the-art technology speeds up tooth movement, and while each patient varies, many patients can now have their orthodontic treatment completed in less than a year.
PROPEL works with your own biology by stimulating the bone surrounding your teeth, helping the teeth to move faster and more predictably into their ideal position. This allows you to see your new smile faster and requires fewer visits to our office. PROPEL can be completed right here in our office and does not require any invasive surgical procedures. Additionally, PROPEL treatment yields very little discomfort. There is zero recovery time and you will be able to immediately return to your normal daily routine.
