Types of Appliances

To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently uses the orthodontic appliances as prescribed.

The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Elastics are small rubber bands that are hooked between different points on your braces to provide pressure to move your teeth to a new position. The patient places rubber bands as he or she is directed by the orthodontist. It is important that instructions are followed exactly as the orthodontist prescribes.

Headgear

Headgear uses an external wire apparatus known as a facebow to gently guide the growth of your face and jaw by attaching to your teeth. The force is applied to the facebow by a spring-loaded or elastic-loaded neck strap, head strap or face mask. The force systems have a safety release that disconnects if the facebow is pulled or snagged. Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite," (with the uppers forward of the lowers) or an "underbite" (with the lowers forward of the uppers). Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper or lower teeth and jaw. It is very important to avoid rough play or contact sports while wearing your headgear to avoid potentially serious injuries.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the teeth it is attached to each time an activation adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you (the parent) about when and how to adjust your expander. When your orthodontist determines the desired expansion has been achieved, you will wear the appliance for several additional months, without further activations, to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression. It is critically important that this process be supervised by your orthodontist as prescribed. At any time, it is critically important that you inform your orthodontist immediately if painful symptoms are present. Do not activate the appliance again until you have seen your orthodontist.

Retainers

Retainers hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Retainers are appliances that are worn after your braces are removed or your Invisalign treatment has been completed. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in place. Dr. Crawford usually likes for her patients to use clear, removable retainers. She will help you decide which retainer style will be the most effective for your teeth and will also instruct you about the times and duration of wear. Her staff will instruct you about how to care for your retainers. It is extremely important to wear your retainers as directed and have them checked periodically by your orthodontist.

Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »

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 any bands are placed. It is important to avoid sticky foods and the use of floss or toothpicks in the areas your separators have been placed while the separators are between your teeth. Always inform your orthodontist and her staff if a separator is lost more than one day before your appointment.