Mini-Implants

Mini-implants, or temporary anchorage devices inserted in between the roots of the teeth or on the palate, have become preferred adjuncts to replace headgear, decrease treatment length, make tooth movement more predictable and in some cases help avoid teeth extractions and certain surgical procedures. These very effective and efficient micro-implants act as an aid for your orthodontist to move certain teeth while not affecting the position of other teeth. Placement of these miniature titanium screws (1.5–2 mm in diameter and 7–10 mm in length) takes a few minutes. Your orthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon does it under minor local anesthesia. At the end of the treatment they are completely removed with topical anesthetic; the wound site heals very quickly.

Separators

Separators or spacers are little rubber doughnuts or metal springs that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands can be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before placing the bands. They do not mix well with sticky foods, floss or toothpicks.

Habit Correctors

Persistent thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting and lip biting habits can be corrected before braces with removable or fixed appliances of various designs.

Headgear

Headgear is a removable device for growing patients that helps align the upper and lower jaws and teeth. Worn at night, it is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an "overbite" or "underbite." It may be worn with braces or by itself.

Elastics

Elastics or rubber bands are often used during orthodontic treatment to provide a light, constant force to move the teeth toward each other or align upper and lower arches. Many times rubber bands are used to close spaces or settle (improve) the bite. This is effective only if elastics are worn all the time. Discomfort is mild and of short duration. Compliance with the recommended elastic wear schedule will assure the best results in the shortest amount of time.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is a fixed or removable appliance worn for four to six months that fits into the roof of your mouth. It widens the palate to improve the way your upper and lower jaws and teeth fit together, or to create more room for crowded teeth. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. Once the desired expansion is achieved, you will still wear the appliance for several months to solidify the bone and prevent regression.

Functional and Orthopedic Appliances

Functional and orthopedic appliances are fixed or removable devices used to move teeth in growing patients, to modify the jaw dimensions and relationship if these are altered. This therapy is frequently followed by a fixed multibracket phase to align the teeth and refine the bite.

Positioners

Positioners are removable appliances that complete and improve final tooth movement, putting the finishing touches on your new smile. With full cooperation, they are only needed for four to eight weeks, after which they'll be replaced with conventional retainers.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed (glued inside of your teeth). They hold the teeth in their new, corrected positions after the braces come off. Wearing the retainers as instructed by your orthodontist is essential to establish a stable tooth relationship and keep your smile looking beautiful.