Orthodontic Appliances A-F

Bite Corrector | Bite Plate | Bite Turbos | Bonded Maxillary Expander | Cetlin Appliance
Clear Removable Appliance | Direct Bonding | Elastics | Fixed Mandibular Expander

Bite Corrector

Developed by 3M, the Forsus is a fixed spring appliance used to treat Class II and Class III malocclusions, such as a positive or negative overjet. Since the spring works 24/7 applying force to correct your bite, it has been used as a substitute for rubber bands and lack of patient compliance. The stretchability of the coil spring allows for more movement, making it more comfortable to wear. It is also made of durable material, resulting in minimal breakage and increased reliability. Typical treatment time is 4 to 12 months.

Bite Plate

In situations where the teeth overlap to such a degree that the edges of the lower front teeth actually bite into the hard palate, orthodontists recommend the bite plate appliance.This is a removable device that looks like a conventional retainer in most cases. A bite plate appliance is worn full-time (except when eating and brushing) for six months to a year.

Correcting a deep bite as early as possible will favorably affect long-term stability and eliminate unnecessary pain, discomfort, ulcers, etc. When growth is modified while a person is still growing, the change becomes more permanent. One of the first things to relapse in a finished orthodontic case is the overbite. Thus, correcting a severe overbite is one of the first important corrections that needs to be made while growth is still occurring.

Bite Turbos

Bite turbos are small acrylic pads typically bonded to the upper front teeth. They are used to correct excessive deepbites and overbites, and can lessen the amount of time spent in braces.

After bite turbos are placed, you will notice that the back teeth do not meet properly when chewing. This is temporary. Eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese will help you adjust to your new bite. Your tongue may be irritated the first three to five days. You may also have difficulty speaking, eating and swallowing. This should improve within a week or two.

Be sure to brush between the turbos and the gums. Although it is not likely that a bite turbo will come off, if it does, it's no problem. If you happen to lose them, give us a call, so we can replace them if needed.

The bite turbos will be removed when the desired correction is achieved.

Bonded Maxillary Expander

Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Bonded Maxillary Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch.

When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.

Cetlin Appliance

The Cetlin appliance works in conjunction with headgear to create space when there is not enough room for the upper permanent teeth to erupt. This removable appliance helps to push the upper molars back.

The Cetlin must be worn 24 hours day in order for it to be effective. You can remove the appliance to eat or drink, but must place it back in your mouth afterward. Proper wear is essential.

Each day, always examine the appliance to make sure the back wires are in front of the molar bands. The wires help the headgear to push the molars back.

Your teeth may be sore for the first few days of wear. Initially, speaking may be difficult, but the more you talk with the appliance in, the quicker speaking will become normal again. Increased saliva the first few days is also normal.

Be sure to brush your appliance each day. You can also soak it in denture cleaner a few times a week. Immediately after brushing, put the appliance back in your mouth.

Heat can warp the Cetlin appliance. Do not attempt to clean the appliance by placing it in hot water or in the microwave. Do not leave it near an oven or in the car.

When you are not wearing your appliance, be sure to keep it in your case.

Clear Removable Appliance

Clear removable appliances can be used to effectively straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. They are customized for your bite using 3-D computer imaging technology. Each set of removable appliances is worn for 2 weeks. You should only remove them to eat, drink, brush or floss. As you replace each set of clear aligners with the next set in the series, you'll notice your teeth gradually move, week by week, until the desired correction is achieved. You'll visit the office every 6 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

Direct Bonding

Accurate placement of brackets is a significant factor in successful orthodontic treatment. Using direct bonding, each bracket is cemented to teeth one at a time. During the procedure, the orthodontist uses tweezers or other hand instruments to accurately position a bracket on a tooth. Once the bracket is in its precise location, it is firmly cemented.

Elastics

Elastics are a vital part of treatment and are also contingent upon patient compliance. They add extra pressure to the braces to help move the teeth. Generally worn at all times (excluding eating and brushing your teeth), elastics should be changed at least three times a day. They come in various sizes as they are each used for a specific purpose. We will provide you with the appropriate size.

It is important to wear them consistently or treatment setbacks may occur. If only one day is missed, it could cause your teeth to shift back to their original position!

Fixed Mandibular Expander

A Fixed Mandibular Expander is used as an alternative to the removable Schwarz appliance. It can be used on the upper or lower arches to expand the arch and create needed additional space for the permanent teeth. The appliance features a miniature version of an RPE screw. A Fixed Mandibular Expander is a good option when patient compliance may be an issue.