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.

Mara® Appliance

 The Mara appliance is an efficient and advanced way to correct an overbite. What makes the Mara so special from other conventional appliances is that it requires no patient compliance to achieve an ideal bite relationship. The Mara is typically worn for 12 months.

Facemask

 The facemask is used for Class III underbite therapy. It is typically used as an interceptive appliance and is worn evenings and nights.

Carriere

 The carriere is worn along with elastics for overbite correction. It is used at the beginning of treatment before braces are placed. The appliance is dependent on patient compliance.

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. 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.

Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »

Separators or Spacers

Separators are little rubber doughnuts 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.