To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed.

The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Elastics (rubber bands) are worn between the upper and lower teeth. Wearing the elastics properly, as instructed by Dr. Sol or Dr. Brian, produces a better and more efficient result.

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose upper teeth are protruding ("buck teeth").  Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and upper jaw, while also helping to promote growth of the lower jaw (mandible).

Herbst® Appliance

This Herbst® appliance reduces overjet (upper teeth ahead of lower teeth) by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for older, growing children and is worn for about 12 months.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper teeth 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.

Retainers

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.

Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »

Separators or Spacers

Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods or with toothpicks and floss.