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.
Carriere Motion®Appliance
The Motion 3D Appliance corrects the alignment of the upper teeth to the lower teeth for a more aligned bite. The Motion 3D Class II Appliance can be used as an alternative to the uncomfortable Herbst or headgear, or they might use the Carriere Motion 3D Class III Appliance instead of a complex surgical procedure or the reverse pull facemask. Both Motion 3D devices provide a unique opportunity to change your bite by repositioning your jaw in the proper position before transitioning to braces or aligners. Both appliances are aesthetically pleasing with their unique design which makes them hardly noticeable in your mouth. While wearing either Motion 3D Appliance it is easy to brush your teeth leading to potentially improved oral hygiene compared to other appliances. Not only that but the quality of your speech will not be affected unlike wearing other traditional orthodontic appliances.
In short, since the Motion 3D Appliances are placed before your braces or aligners are used, it is possible to correct your bite quicker. This means shorter overall orthodontic treatment time leading to a beautiful smile sooner than ever before.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.
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.
Positioners
Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for four to eight weeks.
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.
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.
