ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS, EXPANDERS & MORE IN FULLERTON
ELASTICS (RUBBER BANDS)
Elastics (or rubber bands) are used to adjust bite and jaw position. This affects how well your top and bottom teeth fit together. Elastics are most effective when worn exactly as prescribed by your orthodontist .
FORSUS™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device moves the upper molars back and the lower arch forward. Used as an alternative to headgear, Forsus can help eliminate overbites, improve bite and fit of teeth, and potentially prevent jaw surgery if necessary.
HEADGEAR
Headgear is used as a treatment when patients have either an overbite (the upper jaw is more forward) or an underbite (the lower jaw is forward of the upper). Headgear gently adjusts your teeth to prevent further forward progression of tooth and jaw movement.
HERBST® APPLIANCE
The Herbst® appliance encourages the lower jaw to grow and match the size of the upper jaw, eliminating overbites. This appliance is primarily used for younger, growing children over the course of 12-15 months and can help them avoid jaw surgery as an adult.
PALATAL EXPANDER
Palatal expanders create more space in the mouth by gradually widening your upper jaw. Each time the device is adjusted, pressure is placed on your upper molars. Over the course of treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you to adjust your expander. Once the mouth is expanded fully, the appliance is worn for several months to make the expansion permanent and prevent regression.
POSITIONERS
Positioners are removable, rubber, intra-oral appliances the resemble a mouth guard. These positioners are used to make minor final tooth adjustments in your orthodontic treatment. If instructions are followed diligently, positioners are typically only in place for four to eight weeks.
RETAINERS
Retainers are typically used as the last phase of orthodontic treatment, after braces have straightened your teeth. They hold your teeth in the correct position and prevent them from regressing back to their old positions after your braces for teeth are removed. They may be either removable or fixed, and it is crucial to wear your retainer as direction to keep your teeth straight and healthy.
SEPARATORS OR SPACERS
Separators are small rubber doughnuts placed in between your teeth to push them apart. At your next appointment, the separators will be removed and orthodontic bands will be placed. Make sure to avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss while wearing your separators.
If you want, Fullerton Orthodontics & Children Dentistry is here to help. To find out how oral appliance therapy can get you the good night’s rest you need, give us a call today at (714) 871-8445
If you want, Fullerton Orthodontics & Children Dentistry is here to help. To find out how oral appliance therapy can get you the good night’s rest you need, give us a call today at (714) 871-8445
