Types of Appliances

The types of appliances that may be used during orthodontic treatment are described below.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics improves the fit of the upper and lower teeth.

Headgear

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite or an underbite. Headgear gently pulls on the teeth to restrict further forward growth of the upper teeth and jaw.

Mara® Appliance

MARA® Appliance

The MARA appliance reduces overbite by encouraging forward lower jaw growth and moving the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is worn for about 8-12 months.

Palatal Expander

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander widens the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Fowler will provide instructions about when and how to adjust the expander. When the desired expansion is achieved, the patient will wear the appliance for 4-6 months to stabilize the expansion and to prevent relapse.

Retainers

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold the teeth in their new, correct positions after the teeth have been straightened. Dr. Fowler will provide instructions on how to care for the retainer and about the duration of the wear.

Separators

Separators (or Spacers)

Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between the teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during the next appointment. The separators will be removed before placement of the bands and are usually in place for a week or less.