Dental Appliances
Love your smile.
There are a variety of dental appliances aimed at straightening your teeth and enabling you to love your smile.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw. In most cases, expanders are fixed in place. Dr. Larson and his staff will instruct you how to use your expander.
Pendulum Appliance
This fixed appliance is bonded to the upper premolar teeth. It is used to create space for upper teeth by distalizing (moving back) the upper molars. It is made of acrylic and various types of orthodontic wire. It is often in place for 5 to 8 months.
Head Gear Therapy —The most common treatment headgear is used for correcting anteroposterior discrepancies. The headgear attaches to the braces via metal hooks or a facebow. Straps or a head-cap anchor the headgear to the back of the head or neck. In some situations both are used. Elastic bands apply pressure to the bow or hooks. Its purpose is to slow-down or stop the upper jaw from growing, hence preventing or correcting an overjet.
Holding Arch
There are many different types of holding arches used. These fixed appliances are usually used to prevent back teeth from drifting forward.
Forsus ® Appliance
The Forsus appliance is used in cases where the lower jaw is positioned back and there is an “over-bite” present. The Forsus® appliance reduces the “over-bite” by positioning the lower jaw forward and moving the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used in growing individuals and is often in place for 8 to 12 months.
Face mask Therapy is a type of head-gear which is used to move the upper jaw forward. It is best used in younger patients before they have a major growth spurt. It is used in conjunction with elastics and often palatal expansion.
Bite Plate
A bite plate is used to help treat a deep-bite. It is often removable and made of acrylic. It fits on the roof of the mouth and works by allowing the back teeth to further erupt.
Elastics / “Rubber Bands”
Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are used to improve the fit of the upper and lower teeth. They also can be used to help close spaces between teeth. Elastics come in different sizes. For the best result, elastics should be changed daily and worn as instructed.
Retainers
Retainers are a type of orthodontic appliance. They are used at the end of treatment to hold your teeth in their new position. Retainers can be fixed or removable. It is very important to wear your retainers as instructed.