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.
Carriere® Motion 3D™ Appliance
The Motion Appliance is an orthodontic appliance that promotes growth, helping to eliminate excessive overbites and underbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.
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Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12 months.
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. Collins 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.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable and/or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Typically, removable retainers are only worn every night while sleeping. Teeth tend to shift unless retainers are worn. Retainers are forever to maintain your “smile for a lifetime”.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so an orthodontic appliance can be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed when we deliver your appliance. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss so please avoid them while they are in place.