Types of Appliances
You will work together with Dr. Hannapel to successfully complete your orthodontic care. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), or other appliances as recommended.
The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (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 recommended.
Expander (Palatal/Upper)
Your upper expander widens (expands) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time a turn is made. Dr. Hannapel will instruct you about when and how to turn your expander. When you have achieved the necessary expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to hold the correction and to prevent regression.
Expander (Schwarz/Lower)
Your lower expander helps to upright the bottom teeth each time a turn is made. Dr. Hannapel will instruct you about when and how to turn your lower expander. When you have achieved the necessary expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to hold the correction and to prevent regression. You will brush your expander with your toothbrush, toothpaste and cool water to keep it clean.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or permanently bonded to the teeth. Your retainers hold your teeth in their new, correct positions. Dr. Hannapel will instruct you on how to care for your retainers and about how much you will need to wear them. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent your teeth from moving and going crooked again. You will brush your retainers with your toothbrush, toothpaste and cool water to keep them clean.
Click here for more information on how to care for your retainer.
Separators are tiny rubberbands 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 or with toothpicks and floss. Please be careful not to pull them out or floss them out.
