Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances play a crucial role in straightening teeth, correcting jaw alignment, and maintaining results after treatment. Below, we cover the most common appliances used in orthodontics, how they work, and essential care instructions.

Retainers: Keeping Your Smile Straight

Achieving a straight smile is only the first step—keeping it that way requires retainers! After your braces or aligners are removed, retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.

Types of Retainers

• Invisible Retainers – Provided the day your braces are removed, worn 24/7 for about two months.
• Wire and Plastic Retainers – Introduced after the initial period, designed for nighttime wear.

Pro Tip: To maintain lifelong results, wear your retainers consistently as prescribed.

How to Care for Your Retainers

• Brush retainers with a toothbrush and liquid soap after every meal.
• Soak them in a retainer cleaner once a week to remove buildup.
• Store them in the provided case—never wrap them in napkins!
• Keep them away from pets, as they love to chew on them.
• Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material.
• Do not bite them into place—use your fingers instead.

If your retainer breaks or no longer fits, contact us immediately to prevent unwanted tooth movement.

Palatal Expander: Creating More Space for Teeth & Tongue

A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw, helping to correct a narrow palate, overcrowding, or bite misalignment. This appliance works best in growing children, as their jawbones are more adaptable.

How It Works

• A special key is used to turn the expander’s screw, gradually widening the jaw.
• Some patients experience excess saliva and minor speech changes, which normalize within a week.
• Follow your orthodontist’s activation schedule for the best results.

Lower Expander: Expanding the Lower Jaw

A lower expander works similarly to a palatal expander but is designed for the bottom teeth. It helps reduce crowding by gently widening the lower jaw.

Tips for Lower Expander Care:

• Brush after every meal and clean with liquid soap.
• Avoid hot water, biting down too hard, or flipping the expander up and down.
• Store it in its case when not in use.
• If it breaks or is lost, call our office immediately.

Headgear: Controlling Jaw Growth

Headgear helps correct overjets and overbites by slowing upper jaw growth while allowing the lower jaw to catch up.

• Typically worn 12-14 hours a day at home (not at school or outdoors).
• Expect some discomfort at first, but consistent wear makes it easier.
• Remove carefully—always take off the strap first.
• Bring your headgear to all appointments.

Facemask: Correcting an Underbite

A facemask (reverse-pull headgear) helps move the upper jaw forward to correct an underbite.

• Usually worn 12-14 hours per day (only at home).
• Helps change jaw positioning for long-term bite improvement.
• Cleanse your face before wearing to prevent irritation.
• Always secure the appliance before removing the rubber bands.

Herbst and Forsus Appliances: Correcting Overjets

The Herbst and Forsus appliances help guide jaw growth by restricting upper jaw movement and encouraging lower jaw development.

• These appliances stay in place full-time and do not affect normal mouth movement.
• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods to prevent damage.
• If you play sports, we offer special mouthguards designed to work with these appliances.

Lip Bumper: Creating Space in the Lower Jaw

A lip bumper pushes the lower molars backward, creating more space for teeth alignment.

Care Tips:

• Brush after every meal.
• Store in its case when not in use.
• Never wrap it in napkins (it can get thrown away by accident).
• Contact us if it breaks or is lost.

Space Maintainer: Holding Space for Permanent Teeth

A space maintainer is used when a baby’s tooth is lost too early. It prevents nearby teeth from shifting into the empty space, ensuring proper alignment for incoming permanent teeth.

• Helps prevent crowding and misalignment.
• Stays in place until permanent teeth emerge naturally.

Spacers (Separators): Preparing for Braces

Spacers (or separators) are tiny elastic rings or metal springs placed between teeth to create room for orthodontic bands.

• Avoid sticky or chewy foods—they can dislodge the spacers.
• Do not floss the area where the spacers are placed.
• Mild discomfort is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.