TYPES OF APPLIANCES

ELASTICS (RUBBER BANDS)

The fit of your upper and lower teeth is improved by wearing elastics (or rubber bands). Wear rubber bands as directed, and keep in mind that rubber bands work much better if worn correctly.

FORSUS™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is a headgear alternative that supports growth in teenagers by reducing excessive overbites, improving tooth fit, and possibly avoiding jaw surgery.

HEADGEAR

Patients with an overbite, where the upper jaw is forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite, where the lower jaw is forward of the upper jaw, are treated with headgear. Headgear softly “pulls” on your teeth to prevent your upper teeth and jaw from growing forward.

HERBST® APPLIANCE

The Herbst® device helps to reduce overbite by forcing the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. For younger, growing youngsters, this fixed device is normally worn for 12 to 15 months.

PALATAL EXPANDER

The palatal expander gently presses on your upper molars, “expanding” (or widening) your top jaw every time a correction is performed. You should wear the appliance for several months after achieving the desired expansion to cement the expansion and avoid regression.

POSITIONERS

The final tooth motions in your orthodontic treatment are completed with positioners. If you cooperate fully, you will only need to wear the positioner appliance for four to eight weeks.

RETAINERS

Removable or fixed retainers are available. After your teeth have already been straightened, they hold them in their new, right locations. Your orthodontist will instruct you to care for and wear your retainer properly. You must wear your retainer as advised to avoid treatment relapse.

SEPARATORS OR SPACERS

Separators are small rubber doughnuts inserted between your teeth to force them apart and allow orthodontic bands to be placed at your next session. Before we place the bands, the separators will be removed. Separators do not work well with toothpicks, floss, or sticky foods.

TWIN BLOCK APPLIANCE

The twin block appliance is unique among practical appliances. Two appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) are combined such that, the lower jaw is in a more advanced position. This patient-friendly device is worn all of the time, including when eating, but it can be removed for easy cleaning. Its smooth acrylic and fewer wires than other jaw-correcting gadgets make it more pleasant to wear.

A twin block appliance contributes to a beautiful smile, wide, good jaw function, an improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.

MARA APPLIANCE

Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance is the abbreviation for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It’s a non-removable appliance that helps the lower jaw expand to address severe overbites and avoid extractions or orthognathic surgery.

Crowns, modified crowns, or bands are used to secure the MARA appliance to the molars. The molars are attached to the lower attachments. The upper attachments can be removed to allow your orthodontist to change your treatment plan.

For orthodontic treatment in North Miami Beach, FL, contact Esteem Braces and Aligners at (786) 744-1570. Reach out to us if you have queries regarding the type of appliances and schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in North Miami Beach, FL.