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.
Forsus™
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear that promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
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. Sayre will instruct you on 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.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber bands 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.
Face Mask
The face mask is an orthodontic device used for the correction of Class III skeletal malocclusions (underbite). It works by protracting the maxilla (upper jaw) and restricting mandibular (lower jaw) growth. It is worn 12-14 hours per day or as directed until a correction is achieved. It is usually worn in conjunction with a RPE (rapid palatal expander).
MARA
This appliance is designed to correct overbites. MARA is short for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Device. It positions the patient's lower jaw forward to allow for the jaw to grow.
Carriere®
The Carriere appliance corrects misalignment of the canine to molar relationship on one or both sides of a patient's mouth. It is typically placed for a few months before the braces to correct the bite.
