Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed.
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. Dr. Sanders or Dr. Kim 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. We 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 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 among functional appliances because it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower) that work 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 since it is made 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.
MARA Appliance
This appliance is designed to correct overbites. MARA is short for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Device. It positions the patient’s lower jaw forward to allow for the jaw to grow.
Face Mask
The face mask is an orthopedic device used for the correction of Class III skeletal malocclusions (underbite). It works by protracting the maxilla (upper jaw) and restricting mandibular (lower jaw) growth. It is worn 12 to 14 hours per day or as directed until a correction is achieved. It is usually worn in conjunction with an RPE (fixed palatal expander).
