Wellington Office:
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics, also known as rubber bands, helps improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together. For best results, it’s important to wear them exactly as instructed, as elastics are most effective when worn consistently and as prescribed.
Forsus™
Elastics, or rubber bands, help align your upper and lower teeth for a proper bite. To achieve the best results, they should be worn exactly as directed, since consistent wear allows them to work most effectively.
Headgear
Headgear is used to correct overbites, where the upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw, and underbites, where the lower jaw extends forward. It works by gently applying pressure to guide the growth of your teeth and jaw, helping to achieve proper alignment.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance helps correct overbites by guiding the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is primarily used for growing children and is typically worn for 12 to 15 months to achieve optimal results.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander gradually widens your upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to your upper molars with each adjustment. Dr. Bally will guide you on when and how to make these adjustments. Once the desired expansion is achieved, you will continue wearing the appliance for several months to stabilize the results and prevent the jaw from shifting back.
Positioners
Positioners help finalize the last tooth movements at the end of your orthodontic treatment. With proper use and full cooperation, the positioner is typically worn for four to eight weeks to achieve optimal results.
Retainers
Retainers can be either removable or fixed and are designed to keep your teeth in their new, corrected positions after orthodontic treatment. We will guide you on proper care and how long you should wear your retainer. Following these instructions is essential to maintain your results and prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Separators or Spacers
Separators are small rubber rings placed between your teeth to create space for orthodontic bands at your next appointment. They will be removed before the bands are placed. To prevent damage, avoid sticky foods, and be careful with toothpicks or floss while wearing separators.
Twin Block Appliance
The twin block appliance is different from other functional appliances because it uses two separate pieces—one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch—that work together to guide the lower jaw into an improved position.
This comfortable, patient-friendly appliance is worn full-time, even while eating, but can be removed for easy cleaning. Made of smooth acrylic and using fewer wires, it is generally more comfortable than other jaw-correcting devices.
With consistent use, the twin block appliance can help create a wider, more attractive smile, improve jaw function and facial profile, and promote a stable, healthy temporomandibular joint.