Types of Appliances
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.
.JPG)
Banded Palatal Expander
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Shearer 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.
.JPG)
Bonded Palatal Expander
The bonded expander works in much the same way as the banded, but is used for patients in mixed dentention. The bonded expander not only covers the outside and inside edges of the posterior teeth, but also covers the biting surfaces of the back teeth. Thus, it is normal for the front tetth not to hit as they did before the appliance was placed.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Shearer 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.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber rings 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, toothpicks, or floss.
.jpg)
Wilson 3D® Maxillary Bimetric Distalizing Arch (BDA)
The Wilson 3D Maxillary Bimetric Distalizing Arch is a device that is able to distalize (move) the molars without the use of an extra-oral headgear. It is a quick, efficient way to move the molars and create more space to achieve a proper, well-aligned bite. It is attached to the upper molars, and uses gentle pressure to move the teeth backwards. Creating arch space by using the BDA also eliminates the need for permanent tooth extraction.