Other Orthodontic Appliances
Specialized Appliances for Different Orthodontic Needs
In addition to braces and clear aligners, orthodontic treatment may involve specialized appliances that address concerns with the teeth, bite, or jaw development. The appliance used will depend on your needs and treatment plan. If an appliance is part of your treatment, our team will explain its purpose, how long it may be needed, and any instructions for wear and care.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is often used in growing patients when the upper jaw is too narrow or more room is needed for developing teeth. By gradually widening the upper jaw, the appliance can create additional space and improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Expanders are frequently used as part of early orthodontic or two-phase treatment. Our team will provide instructions for using and caring for the appliance.
Lower Lingual Arch
A lower lingual arch is a fixed appliance that fits along the inside of the lower teeth and attaches to the back molars. It is commonly used in growing patients to preserve space in the lower dental arch as baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth erupt. Maintaining this space can support the eruption of permanent teeth and reduce unwanted movement of neighboring teeth.
The appliance typically remains in place until it is no longer needed to maintain space as your child’s permanent teeth develop.
Space Maintainer
When a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected, a space maintainer can preserve the opening until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This helps prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the available space. Space maintainers may be fixed or removable and are monitored as your child’s teeth develop.
Bite Plate
A bite plate changes the way the upper and lower teeth come together to address certain bite concerns. It may be used to create room for tooth movement or assist in correcting a deep bite. Depending on the treatment plan, a bite plate may be fixed or removable.
Habit Appliance
Prolonged thumb or finger sucking and certain tongue habits can affect a child’s teeth and bite. When these habits begin to interfere with healthy dental development, a habit appliance may be used to discourage them and support proper tooth and bite development. Whether an appliance is needed will depend on your child’s teeth, bite, oral habits, and stage of development.
Herbst Appliance
The Herbst appliance is a fixed appliance commonly used in growing patients to correct certain overbites. It positions the lower jaw forward to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws and teeth. Since the Herbst remains in place, it works continuously without relying on the patient to remember to wear it.
Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is used in some growing patients to address certain bite and jaw relationships. Depending on the correction needed, it applies gentle pressure to guide jaw growth and tooth movement. Headgear is removable, so wearing it for the prescribed amount of time is important for treatment to progress as planned.
Forsus™ Appliance
The Forsus™ appliance is used with braces to address certain bite concerns, particularly when the upper teeth are positioned too far forward relative to the lower teeth. It applies gentle, continuous pressure to improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Because the appliance remains in place, it works continuously as part of braces treatment.
Carriere® Motion™ Appliance
The Carriere® Motion™ Appliance is designed to correct certain bite relationships by working with elastics to apply gentle pressure and guide the teeth into more favorable positions. It is often used early in treatment to improve the bite before braces or clear aligners are used to complete tooth alignment. Consistent elastic wear is important for achieving the intended correction.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics, commonly called rubber bands, are used with braces or other orthodontic appliances to improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
They provide gentle, consistent pressure that guides tooth movement and helps correct the bite. For elastics to work effectively, they should be worn exactly as directed. Our team will show you how to place and remove them and explain how often they should be worn.
Separators or Spacers
Separators, sometimes called spacers, are small elastic rings placed between certain teeth to create room for orthodontic bands. They are typically inserted shortly before the bands are fitted and removed once enough space has been created. While separators are in place, avoid sticky foods that could loosen or pull them out.
Positioners
A positioner may be used near the end of orthodontic treatment to refine final tooth positions and the way the teeth fit together. Since it is removable, wearing the positioner consistently as directed is important for achieving the intended adjustments.
Questions About Your Orthodontic Appliance?
Each appliance has a specific purpose and plays a different role in orthodontic treatment. Following the instructions for wearing and caring for your appliance can help treatment stay on track. If you have questions about your appliance or need help with its use or care, contact Burke Family Orthodontics. Our team is here to help.
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