Orthodontic Appliances

Types of orthodontic appliances commonly used for treatment:

• Bonded RPE-  a rapid palatal expander which in addition to the metal framework, contains plastic over the biting surfaces of the back teeth. This type of expander is used to minimize bite opening during expansion. 


• Forsus- A system of push-rods and springs used to posture the lower jaw forward and encourage lower jaw growth.


• Herbst- A fixed appliance that improves "overbite" by encouraging lower jaw growth. 


• Lower Lingual Arch- A fixed appliance used to keep the lower molars from moving forward.


• Miniscrew (Temporary anchorage Device)- A metal screw placed in the palate or gum areas that serve to provide additional stability when moving the teeth.  The screw is removed after the desired tooth movement has occured. 


• Nance- a fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward.


• Pendulum- An appliance that moves the upper molars backward.  A pendulum is used for creating space to align the upper teeth and for improving overjet problems. 


• Reverse Pull Headgear (Facemask)- A removable appliance worn to encourage growth of the upper jaw in order to correct a negative overjet ("underbite").


• TPA- A fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward.