Types of Appliances

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.

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

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 12-15 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. Your orthodontist 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 and to prevent regression.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces that use a system of clear, removable trays to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is not for everyone.

The best way to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rooney.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.

Separators or Spacers

Separators are little rubber doughnuts 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.

Twin Block Appliance

The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene. It is also more comfortable than other jaw-correcting appliances, as it is made out of smooth acrylic and utilizes fewer wires.

The result of using a twin block appliance is a broad, beautiful smile, proper jaw function, improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.

Lingual Holding Arch

The Lingual Holding Arch is attached to your lower two molars and  has a wire runs along the lingual surface of your teeth. The purpose of a lingual holding arch (LHA) is to keep your molars from drifting foward and causing them to block out room for other teeth to come in. 

Transpalatal Archwire

Habit Appliance

A habit appliance is used when your thumb is pushing your upper and lower teeth apart,which causes an open-bite. This appliance will prevent you from being able to stick your thumb in your mouth. The habit appliance will normally stay in your mouth for three to six months. 

Reverse pull facemask

A reverse pull fask mask is used sometimes when you have an underbite. This appliance will bring your upper jaw and teeth foward while preventing your lower jaw from growing.

Myobrace

A myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focus' on addressing the under-lying causes of crooked teeth, often without the need for braces, allowing for natural growth and development. This treatment is best suited for for children ages 3-15. This involves using a series of removable intra-oral appliances that are worn 1-2 hours each day and also overnight.