Types of Appliances

To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with Dr. Wilson in a team effort. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances that Dr. Wilson may prescribe.

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

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics (rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as Dr. Wilson instructed because the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are worn as prescribed. Not wearing the rubber bands may compromise your orthodontic treatment result and may also increase your orthodontic treatment time.

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite," (with the uppers forward of the lowers) or an "underbite" (with the lowers forward of the uppers). Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw. Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we are please to let you know that we have been able to treat most of our patients without using headgear anymore… This is just one more example of using the latest technology for our patients (The Damon Braces).

Herbst® Appliance

This 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 is a great appliance and works wonders for our patients. We usually have brackets (braces) on the upper and lower front teeth while in the Herbst Appliance to help control these teeth while we move the jaw.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Wilson 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. GOOD NEWS! This appliance has become a thing of the past for most of our patients. Dr. Wilson is able to correct most bites with using the Damon System so no need to worry about turning any screws anymore!

Positioners

Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for 4-8 weeks.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Wilson 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.

Click here for more information 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.