A metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.
Bands are a ring of metal, which fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.
Brackets are the small metal or ceramic modules attached to each tooth. They serve as guides to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place.
Elastics or rubber bands for braces help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. The orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.
Invisalign® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.
A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.
The Schwarz Appliance is a functional appliance used to expand the upper dental arch by stimulating growth of the bone's width. Once widened, the suture knits together. The Schwarz Appliance is prescribed only prior to completion of growth. It is adjusted daily as instructed, until the palate has been widened enough. It is then left in place for about four months without further adjustment while the bone fills the center palatal suture and healing occurs.
