Separators
Separators are little rubber bands that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss. Please avoid these after having separators placed.
Palatal Expander (RPE)
The RPE is used when a posterior unilateral or bilateral crossbite exists or severe crowding exists. The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. We 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 stabilize the expansion and to prevent regression.
Carriere Distalizer
The Carriere Distalizer is an orthodontic device utilized to correct a bite by rotating and up righting the maxillary first molars, while moving the posterior segment, from canine or premolar to molars, into a perfect bite. With an effect similar to headgear, but without the use of a bulky appliance, the Carriere Distalizer helps correct the bite prior to the addition of full braces or full Invisalign. It is used in combination with a lower fixed lingual arch space maintainer and elastics, lower braces, or lower Invisalign. Over time, if the rubber bands are worn as instructed we will instruct each patient with how and when to wear the rubber bands with their carriere distalizer. The teeth will slowly begin to shift, effectively correcting the bite. It is a relatively quick solution and is barely noticeable.
Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA)
The Lower Lingual Holding Arch Appliance is used to stabilize the position of the lower molars and anterior incisors when it is appropriate to hold the space in between. This allows baby teeth to fall out, and permanent teeth to erupt. The appliance is formed by two molar bands, cemented in place and that lays behind the teeth, attached to a U-shaped bar.
Schwartz Appliance
A narrow maxilla is one of the most common orthodontic problems seen in a developing child. Left untreated, it can lead to severe crowding and cause the occurrence of an anterior or posterior crossbite. The Schwartz appliance is used when crowding exists without a crossbite.
This slow expansion allows the acrylic to place pressure on both the palatal tissue and the teeth in a lateral direction. We will turn the appliance in the office & instruct you how often to wear it.
