Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics, or rubber bands, are used to improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth. By connecting your upper teeth to your lower teeth, elastics ensure your bite aligns correctly. It’s important to wear your rubber bands consistently and exactly as instructed, as they work most effectively when used as prescribed.
Headgear
Headgear is used to correct issues like an excessive overjet (when the upper jaw is too far forward) or an underbite (when the lower jaw is too far forward). It gently applies force to either move the upper jaw forward or backward, helping bring it into better alignment with the lower jaw.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is designed to widen the upper jaw to improve the fit between your upper and lower teeth. It is fixed to bands around the molars and works by expanding the upper jaw.
How It Works:
- The expander is attached to bands around your molars to help widen the upper jaw.
- A small screw is turned to gradually expand the jaw.
- As the expander is activated, most patients will notice a temporary space between the upper front teeth.
Our orthodontist will provide you with detailed instructions and demonstrate how to use the appliance properly to achieve the best results.
Retainers
Retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your beautifully aligned teeth. They help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions after completing orthodontic treatment. To ensure your results last a lifetime, it’s important to wear your retainer as instructed by our orthodontist.
Types of Retainers
- Hawley Retainers: These removable retainers feature a metal wire attached to an acrylic arch. They can be adjusted to make minor tooth movements and help the bite settle into place.
- Essix Retainers: These clear, molded retainers are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and keep them in position, helping maintain the alignment achieved after treatment.
- Fixed Retainers: A thin wire is bonded to the inside surfaces of the front 4 or 6 teeth, providing continuous support to prevent any shifting once your braces or Invisalign treatment is complete.
How Long Do I Need to Wear Retainers?
Retainers are for life! While you’ll wear them as directed by our orthodontist, over time, you may be able to wear them less frequently. However, never stop wearing them completely—minor tooth movement can still occur. Protect the smile we’ve worked hard to achieve by following your retainer schedule.
How Do I Clean My Retainers?
To keep your retainers clean, brush them gently with your toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque. If plaque builds up, you can use a retainer cleaner like “Efferdent” to give them a deeper clean. Always store your retainers in the case provided when you’re not wearing them, and keep them away from pets—they love to chew on them!
