Types Of Appliances

Elastics (Rubber Bands):

Elastics are used to improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wearing your elastics as instructed is an important factor to achieving the best results. If you are unsure of how you are supposed to wear the elastics, we can send you a diagram showing how Dr. Miller prescribed them to you.

Forsus:

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 an 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.

Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME):

‍The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time a turn is made. Dr. Miller will instruct you about when and how to turn your expander.

Lower Schwartz Appliance:

The purpose of this appliance is to expand and upright the lower teeth, usually making space for the alignment of the front teeth. The lower expander is removable but should be worn at all times, except when the patient brushes his or her teeth. We encourage the patient to wear the Schwartz during meals and snacks, but to avoid eating hard or sticky foods with the appliance in place. Don't forget you can custom color your expander and even add some sparkle! Dr. Miller will instruct you about when and how to turn your expander.

Separators or Spacers:

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. It is important to avoid hard or sticky foods so these spacers can stay in and do their job!

MARA Appliance:

‍MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is a non-removable appliance that encourages the growth of the lower jaw to help correct severe overbites and minimize the need for extractions or orthognathic surgery. The MARA appliance is anchored to the molars with bands, and the lower attachments are fixed to the molars. The upper attachments are removable to enable Dr. Miller to make adjustments according to your treatment plan.

CUSTOM MOUTHGUARDS:

Dr. Miller offers complimentary mouthguards to patients! These mouthguards are custom made to fit your mouth AFTER treatment. During treatment you will be offered a different type of mouthguard at no additional charge that still allows for your teeth to move and progress.

Retainers:

‍Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. It is important to follow Dr. Miller’s instructions about the duration of wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.

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