Types of Appliances
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.
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.
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.
The main differences between a rapid palatal expander (RPE), which is a fixed expander, and removable expanders lie in their design, effectiveness, patient compliance requirements, and suitability for severity of cases.
Removable expanders can be taken in and out by the patient, making them less invasive and easier to clean.
They are suitable for mild cases, typically requiring less dramatic expansion, and are often used when minimal jaw widening is needed.
These appliances depend on patient compliance—if not worn as prescribed, they are less effective.
Expansion forces are generally slower and less intense; activation (tightening screws) is required only a few times per week.
Removable expanders allow for more oral hygiene but may result in more molar "tipping" and less predictable results due to potential lack of compliance
A fixed RPE is cemented or bonded to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.
It is anchored on the molars and uses a screw mechanism in the center that is activated daily (often with a key), applying strong, consistent force that rapidly widens the palate—typically in a matter of weeks.
Because it’s fixed, compliance is not an issue, and results are more predictable.
These appliances depend on patient compliance—if not worn as prescribed, they are less effective.
Fixed expanders are more stable, effective for moderate to severe jaw constriction, and suitable for younger patients whose palatal sutures are still flexible.
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 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.
