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 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 headgear or other appliances as prescribed. The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment. 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. 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 twelve to fifteen months. Palatal Expander The palatal expander "expands" (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. 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. Click here for more information on how to care for your retainer. Separators (or Spacers) Separators are little rubber doughnuts or metal springs 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 attach the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks or floss. Back to Top |
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