Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth by generating a gentle but continuous force. Wear rubber bands as instructed and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed. There is often some initial discomfort when elastics are first worn, but this discomfort usually disappears after one to three days. If you stop wearing the elastics during the periods of discomfort, slower tooth movement often results, and the discomfort will return when the elastics are replaced. Soreness in the jaw joint area, however, is abnormal. If pain, clicking, or the inability to open or close the mouth occurs when the elastics are worn, discontinue the elastics and phone the office immediately. New elastics should be used each day, as the old elastics tend to lose their elasticity with time. It is not necessary to change the elastics more than once a day. Proper elastic wear yields amazing results!
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed orthopedic appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 9-12 months. The plunger extends from the upper component of the appliance to the lower component. These plungers guide the lower jaw into a more forward position, stimulating lower jaw growth and thus decreasing the overbite. Initially, the appliance may feel awkward. However, within a few days to one week, normal eating and function will return.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw orthopedically by separating the midpalatal suture. This procedure may also create more space into which permanent teeth can erupt. We typically use one of two different designs for palatal expanders. A banded expander is used more frequently in adolescent aged patients who have all or most of their permanent teeth. The acrylic splint bonded expander is used in younger patients who still have several primary teeth present. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. During the activation of the expander, some pressure may be experienced at the bridge of the nose, or around the ears and cheek, or between the front teeth. This feeling of pressure is expected during the activation of the appliance. After approximately one week, a space may open up between the front two teeth and this space will start to close after activation is completed. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Schwarz Appliance
The Schwarz appliance is a removable lower expander. The purpose of this appliance is to upright the lower back teeth to make space for the alignment of the lower front teeth. The appliance is worn full time (except when brushing) for 9-12 months. The hardest part about having a removable appliance is not losing it so we ask that patients learn to eat with the Schwarz in place. The appliance is made of acrylic and can easily be broken so great care must be taken to avoid breakage. The appliance should be activated once to twice a week by turning the expansion screw with the key provided 90 degrees. If any problems are encountered while wearing the appliance, contact our office immediately.
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. After bonded expanders are removed, some patients will be given a removable retainer (maintenace plate). The purpose of the maintenance plate is to maintain the expansion that was achieved throughout the use of the bonded expander. As with any removable acrylic appliance, the hardest part not losing or breaking the retainer so great care must be taken to avoid breakage and throwing the retainer away accidentally. There is a fee for the replacement of a retainer, which is in addition to the regular treatment fee. Should a new retainer be necessary, additional impressions would be needed as dental casts are damaged when making retainers and cannot be reused.
Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »
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 can be dislodged when eating sticky foods, using toothpicks or floss. Contact our office if the separator comes out before your next appointment. The separator may create some discomfort as the teeth move apart. This is normal and should subside within a day or so.