Types of Appliances for Sunrise Patients
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you may be recommended to wear some gear or appliances to help achieve specific movements or adjustments. Don't stress - they aren't permanent!
Below are the most common types of appliances that may be recommended during your treatment. If you have any questions about them or if they can help, request an appointment or call our office to discuss!
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) can improve a variety of positioning issues, including overbites, underbites or misaligned jaws.
These elastic are attached at specific points, directed by our team and typically run from an upper bracket to a lower bracket. When you receive elastics, you'll also be given instructions on how to wear them. Remember - the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear and helps to promote growth in adolescents, as well as helps to eliminate excessive overbites, improves the fit of teeth, and possibly prevents the need for jaw (orthognathic) surgery.
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. We'll instruct you on when and how to adjust your expander.
Once the desired expansion is achieved, you'll keep the appliance on for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression. In the end, your mouth is better prepped and positioned for braces and a better smile for the long run!
Retainers
Retainers are given to patients upon completion of orthodontic treatment and may be removable or fixed. They "remind" your teeth to stay in their new, correct positions and help keep them from shifting over time.
We'll instruct you on how to care for your retainer and how long they need to be worn. Forgetting to wear your retainer or failing to do so on a steady, regular basis can allow teeth to shift and cause the reappearance of orthodontic issues you were experiencing before treatment. No one wants that for their new, happy smile!
Spacers and Separators
Spacers are little rubber doughnuts that are placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands can be placed during your next appointment. The spacers will be removed before we place the bands. Separators don't mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss and should be avoided at all costs!