Removable Appliances
Hawley Retainer - This is an appliance that is often used to help maintain the position of teeth after braces are removed. It is also used to help with minor tooth movements if certain teeth get out of alignment.
Spring Aligner - This is an appliance that can do a little more than minor tooth movement. Once an impression of your teeth is made, the model will be sent to our lab. There, the technician will reset the teeth into proper alignment and then make the retainer off the new model.
Essix Retainer - This is an appliance that maintains the current position of teeth. It can make extremely minor movements but it is best used after the teeth are straightened by either braces or invisalign®
Protraction Facemask - This is an appliance used to help protract the maxillary molars. Certain bites need help with moving the top teeth forward. The chin cup tries to inhibit further manbibular growth as well. Our patients typically wear it while they sleep and any extra time (ie: doing homework, watching tv, reading etc.)
Headgear - This is an appliance used to help retract the maxillary molars. Certain bites need help with moving the top teeth backwards. A headgear is also known as a nightbrace because it is worn mostly at night. Our patients typically wear it while they sleep and any extra time (ie: doing homework, watching tv, reading etc.)
Elastics - This is a disposable appliance that is worn between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. They can be worn in different patterns to help better coordinate the two arches. At each appointment, the elastics may be changed (direction, duration, etc.) If they need to be worn 24 hours, they are removed and discarded when eating and brushing. A new pair of elastics can be placed every morning and every night.