Every smile is unique, and some patients may require special appliances in addition to braces to achieve a healthy, optimal bite. Our doctors will let you know if you are a candidate for any of the following appliances.
Retainers
All patients who undergo orthodontic treatment will be required to wear a retainer once treatment is complete. 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. Learn more about retainers here.
Expansion Arch/E-Arch
The expansion arch or E-Arch “expands” (or widens) your upper teeth by applying gentle pressure. This is a spring loaded expansion appliance which does not need adjustments out of our office. You will be seen at regular intervals to monitor your expansion. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
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. This appliance is fixed to the patients’ molars. It includes a metal tube that connects the upper and lower jaw. By adjusting the tube, your orthodontist is able to control the jaw’s position in relation to the upper teeth. Typical treatment time with a Herbst appliance is 12 months, though this may vary depending on your child’s unique needs.
Motion Appliance
The Motion is an orthodontic device developed to correct a bite without removing permanent teeth when teeth have erupted incorrectly. With an effect similar to headgear, but without the use of a bulky appliance, the Motion pushes upper teeth back to create a corrected bite prior to the addition of braces.
How does the Motion work?
First, your orthodontist will create an anchor point, most commonly with a lower Essex Appliance, a passive lingual arch, full mandibular fixed appliance, or mini-screws. A Motion arm is then attached to the upper teeth on both sides of your mouth.
An elastic band is attached from the upper bar to the lower back molars and should be worn at all times except when eating.
With good elastic wear, your bite can be corrected in a matter of months, depending on the severity of your case.
When the Motion arms are removed, we will place upper braces or start your Invisalign treatment to finish correcting your bite and aligning your teeth to the perfectly straight, ideal smile you’ve always wanted.
Forsus
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites and improves the fit of teeth.
A Forsus appliance is installed in one appointment and doesn’t require any additional lab work, so you won’t have to wait to begin your treatment. There are no daily adjustments to make because the appliance provides a continuous, light force to move your jaw and teeth into their correct positions. The constant force given by the Forsus appliance means that it works without you having to do anything.
Even while you sleep, Forsus is helping to move your jaw and teeth into alignment. The appliance works with your existing braces and wires, so there is no need to interrupt your planned treatment. The open coil spring is designed to be easy to brush clean and there are no gaps to trap food. You’ll be able to continue your oral hygiene habits as usual without having to worry about cleaning around a bulky appliance.
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.
