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Types of Appliances


elastics (rubber bands)

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.

 
 

palatal expander

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper teeth and palate each time an adjustment is made. We will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. 

 
 

retainers

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. We 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.

 

separator

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.

 


MARA

MARA

MARA Appliance

The MARA is a functional appliance used to correct an improper bite caused by a lower jaw that is too far back in relationship to the rest of the face. This appliance postures the patient's lower jaw in a forward direction. Over a period of months this forward posture of the lower jaw usually promotes growth in the same direction.