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.

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Forsus™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

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Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth have excess overjet (top teeth are too far forward), with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw. Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.  Reverse pull headgear is used for the opposite problem- an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw.

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Herbst® Appliance

The Herbst^® appliance reduces overjet by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is worn for about 12 months and braces are normally added while the Herbst is in place.

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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 continue to wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

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Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Ashmore will discuss what type of retainer is right for you.  Our team 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.

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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 may be accidentally dislodged with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.