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.

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Forsus™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

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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 your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Carriere® Motion 3D™ Appliances are used to correct either an overbite or an underbite. Traditional treatment for this type of occlusion can include headgear, surgery, and extractions, all of which are eliminated by the non-invasive, sleek, and aesthetic Motion 3D Appliances.

Which Motion Appliance is Right for You?

Regardless of your occlusion, the Motion 3D Appliance creates an aligned bite before your braces are even put on. By doing this, your orthodontist can shorten your treatment time for the most efficient experience possible.

The Motion 3D Class II Appliance is designed to help the lower jaw move forward to correct an overbite.

The Motion 3D Class III Appliance helps the lower jaw move backward to correct an underbite.

Benefits of Motion 3D

• Fast: Correcting bite problems at the beginning of orthodontic treatment can shorten overall treatment time by up to four months!
• Gentle: The low force, low profile design of the Motion 3D Appliance eliminates poking of the lips and cheeks.
• Aesthetic: Unlike bulky headgear, the Motion 3D Appliance is discreetly hidden inside your mouth.
• Personalized: Make your treatment unique by selecting the Motion 3D Appliance in one of your favorite colors: blue, green, purple, silver, gold, multicolor, and even clear!

For the best results…

• Replace your rubber bands every four hours, or at the interval recommended by your orthodontist.
• Only remove your rubber bands to eat and brush.
• Avoid eating sticky or hard foods, as they may dislodge your appliance.
• Maintain your scheduled appointments to allow your orthodontist to monitor your treatment and adjust it to achieve your best smile results.