Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances can be an effective treatment component during all phases of orthodontic treatment. They may be used to prevent a problem from occurring, to correct a current problem or to help direct jawbone growth. Examples of oral appliances include Palatal Expander Devices (PED), Space Maintenance, Distalizers, and Retainers.

Oral appliances are worn for a period of time and your orthodontist will go over the options with you and provide specific instructions on oral appliances if part of your treatment.

Space maintainers are used to keep teeth from drifting into an empty tooth space due to early loss of primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth act as a guide for the eruption of the permanent teeth. A space maintainer is made of stainless steel and/or plastic. It can be removable or fixed to the teeth.

Used to widen or expand the upper jaw, a palatal expander can be used to address crowding and other orthodontic issues by creating more room to accommodate tooth and/or jaw alignment. Expanding the upper jaw also effects the floor of the nasal cavity, helping to increase air flow and making breathing easier.

Carriere® Motion 3D™ Class III Correction Appliance moves upper teeth back and creates a corrected bite before braces are added. The distalizers, also known as “arms,” are then removed and upper braces are inserted to finish correction of the bite and create proper teeth alignment. The force needed to correct patients’ bites is created through the use of elastic bands that are then attached from the upper bar to the lower back molars.

It is critical that patients wear their elastics all the time, with the exception of when they are eating. With proper elastic wear, patients’ bites can be corrected in just months, depending on the severity of each individual case.

Once orthodontic treatment is complete, you will wear retainers for a certain period of time to help maintain your straight smile!

Learn more about Retention