Types of Appliances
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.
Motion Appliance
Corrects the posterior occlusion to an ideal Class I occlusion first by rotating and uprighting the maxillary first molars while distalizing the posterior segment, from canine or premolor to molars, into an ideal occlusion. These bars simultaneously produce a light, uniform force for distal molar movement. This allows for correction of the posterior bite first without the heavy hardware of some other options and makes it easy to maintain good hygiene.
Quad Helix
A quad helix appliance is a fixed, orthodontic device used to expand the upper jaw, as an alternative to a rapid palatal expander. The quad helix creates space for crowded teeth or corrects a posterior crossbite, by using four active springs attached to bands on the molars.
Bite Plate
A bite plate appliance is a specialized dental device, often made of acrylic, used to correct a deep bite or overbite, and it can also help prevent damage to teeth and jaw joints from grinding or clenching. This can be used alone or in combination with braces to correct a deep bite malocclusion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Facemask (Reverse Headgear)
In some cases where an underbite is present, we may recommend using reverse headgear (face mask) as part of the treatment plan along with a fixed appliance for anchorage. This appliance is designed to fix the discrepancy between your upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward to correct the malocclusion.
