Types of Additional Appliances
Successful completion of an orthodontic treatment plan depends upon patients working together with Dr. Held and the WHO Team. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands) or other appliances as prescribed.
The following are examples of types of additional 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 because the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are worn as prescribed.
Expanders
Please visit our Expanders page for more information.
Positioners
Positioners are useful to complete the final tooth movements in some patients’ orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance during the initial months following the removal of your braces.
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 and cement (“glue”) the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods or with toothpicks and floss.
