Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Please wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if worn as prescribed. It can be worn with braces or Invisalign.
Invisalign Mandibular Advancement
Traditionally, overbites have been treated with Headgear or Herbst appliances; until now, Invisalign clear aligners can also encourage the lower jaw to move forward in younger patients who are still growing.
Invisalign with Mandibular Advancement looks much like regular Invisalign aligners, with one key difference: there are wings located between the premolars and first molars on both the top and bottom set of aligners. These two sets of wings interlock, placing the lower jaw in a more advanced position. With time, skeletal correction occurs, with the lower jaw eventually growing into proper placement, eliminating the overbite.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear that promotes growth in adolescents. It helps eliminate excessive overbites, improve tooth fit, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite, with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently "pulls" on teeth to restrict further forward growth of the upper teeth and jaw.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used primarily for younger, growing children and is worn alongside braces.
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, wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression.
Retainers
Retainers hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after you have straightened them. 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.
