In order to successfully complete the orthodontic treatment plan and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward the corrected and desired positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear, or other appliances as prescribed by the orthodontist.
Separators (or Spacers)
Separators are small donut-shaped elastic rings that are placed between your teeth to create space to fit molar bands. While the separators are in place, avoid sticky and chewy food to ensure their correct placement. In addition, do not floss between those particular teeth during the time they are in place, which is typically one week.
Expander
An expander is a device that widens your upper jaw by putting pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Expansion of your upper jaw allows more room for your permanent teeth. 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.
Elastics
Elastics are special "rubber bands" that supply the pressure needed to move the teeth and jaws into their correct position. It is important to carefully follow the orthodontist’s instructions regarding the placement and use of elastics in order to get the best possible treatment in the shortest amount of time. When you initially begin wearing elastics, your teeth may be tender due to the shifting that is occurring, but typically the tenderness will only last a day or two. To achieve the best results, you should wear elastics continuously, only removing them to brush your teeth and to change the elastics. They should be worn when you eat, sleep and play.
Headgear
Headgear is one of the best ways of moving your upper teeth and jaw because it restricts forward growth. When worn correctly, it will greatly reduce your overjet by backing up your upper teeth and jaw. You can expect your upper molars to be sore the first night or two that you wear it but sticking with it and wearing your headgear as instructed will soon get you past the uncomfortable stage! We recommend wearing your headgear 12-14 hours per day and wearing it while sleeping is the easiest way to get a significant number of hours in. Remember: The more you wear your headgear, the better and quicker the response! When you miss a day it takes three days to get back to where you were.
Herbst Appliance
The Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to grow in a forward direction. It also has the ability to push the upper molars backward. We can control this difference depending on what is appropriate for the patient. It is typically worn for an average of 12 months. When initially put in, it may feel like a mouthful but within one to two weeks it will become quite comfortable. It may irritate the inside of your cheeks at first but soon the tissue will toughen up to the appliance and not be a problem. Because chewing may be awkward at first, sticking with softer foods and working your way back to a normal diet is recommended.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. After your braces are removed, retainers are used to hold your teeth in their new, correct positions. 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.