Types of Appliances
To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, you must work together with Dr. White in a partnership. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if you consistently wear the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed.
The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed because the rubber bands work far more efficiently and are more comfortable if they are worn as prescribed.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an “overbite,” (with the uppers forward of the lowers) or an “underbite” (with the lowers forward of the uppers). Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Palatal Expander (MEA)
The Maxillary Expansion Appliance (MEA) widens the upper jaw. It is used to correct crossbites and create more room for teeth, resulting with less necessity of extracting adult teeth and a broader smile. It supplies gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. White 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 allow the bone space to fill in with new bone.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. White will give you a schedule for wearing your retainers and give you instructions for their care. Wearing your retainers as directed is crucial to maintaining your great results during the most important time period when the tissues supporting your teeth stabilize.
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 or with toothpicks and floss.
