Types of Orthodontic Appliances

Working Together on the Journey to Your Perfect Smile

Achieving the perfect smile through orthodontic treatment is a collaborative effort between you and us, your orthodontic team at Brodsky Orthodontics. Your commitment to consistently wearing your prescribed appliances, be it elastics (rubber bands), aligners, retainers, or space maintainers, is crucial. These appliances, each with a unique role, guide your teeth and jaw into their ideal positions. Remember, the success of your treatment largely depends on your dedication to following our instructions. Let's work together to create your new smile!

Separators (Spacers)

Think of separators as your teeth's best friends, paving the way for your orthodontic journey. These tiny rubber rings nestle between your teeth, gently nudging them apart to make room for the orthodontic bands that will be placed at your next visit. But remember, they're a bit sensitive - sticky foods might dislodge them, and flossing around them could lead to an early goodbye. So, let's keep them safe and secure until they've completed their mission!

Imagine a key that unlocks more than just doors - it unlocks the potential of your smile. That's the magic of the palatal expander. This device works by applying a gentle, yet consistent pressure on your upper molars every time an adjustment is made. But don't worry, you won't be alone in this journey. Dr. Brodsky and his team will guide you every step of the way, showing you exactly how and when to activate the expander. Together, we'll widen not just your upper jaw, but also the horizons of your smile!

Lower Lingual Arch

Imagine a superhero, swooping in to save the day just when things seem to be going awry. That's the role of the Lower Lingual Arch for our younger patients. This appliance is like a guardian, preserving space for adult teeth when baby teeth decide to make an early or timely exit. The best part? It often eliminates the need for extractions due to crowding. So, while your child's smile is in the process of evolving, the Lower Lingual Arch is there to ensure it unfolds beautifully.

Herbst® Appliance

Picture the Herbst® Appliance as a personal trainer for your child's smile. This device is designed to reduce overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to grow forward and the upper molars to move backward. It's like a gentle nudge in the right direction for their developing teeth. Primarily used on young, growing children, this fixed appliance is worn for about 12 months. Just like starting a new exercise routine, it takes children approximately 4 days to adjust to this appliance. But once they do, it's all smooth sailing towards a healthier, more balanced smile.

Pendulum Appliance

Think of the Pendulum Appliance as a gentle force, silently working to create harmony within your mouth. This device is a preferred alternative to headgear for our older preteen and teenage patients. Its mission? To gently guide the upper molars backwards, creating much-needed space for overly crowded teeth. Patients often report that it's very comfortable, and it typically only needs to be worn for 3-4 months. Once the desired movement has been achieved, a holding bar steps in to maintain the correction for a few months. It's a seamless process designed to bring balance and beauty to your smile.

Carriere Appliance

Imagine the Carriere appliance as the maestro of your orthodontic symphony, masterfully guiding each tooth into its perfect position. This innovative device is a game changer, designed to correct bite issues with less discomfort and in less time than traditional methods. The secret to its success? Elastics. They're used early in treatment when your commitment to a perfect smile is at its peak. So, let the Carriere appliance orchestrate your journey to a harmonious smile

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs or Pins)

Imagine miniscrews, also known as TADs or Pins, as the secret agents of orthodontics. These temporary devices are anchored to your dental bone, providing your doctor with absolute control in moving your teeth. They are called upon only in the most challenging of situations when the doctor requires greater command of your braces. While they have been routinely used in countries like Korea and Japan for years, they only gained acceptance in the United States in 2003. Thanks to this innovative technology, some patients who might have needed orthognathic (jaw) surgery or dental implants to replace missing teeth can now be treated with braces alone, without the need for surgery. It's like having a secret weapon in the quest for a perfect smile.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Consider elastics, or as you might know them, rubber bands, as the silent heroes of your orthodontic journey. Their mission? To help correct the alignment of your upper and lower teeth, locking them into perfect harmony. They work tirelessly, day and night, to ensure your teeth find their ideal positions. However, they can't do it alone. They rely on you, the patient, to wear them as prescribed to successfully complete your orthodontic treatment. It's a team effort, and together, we can create that perfect smile you've always dreamed of.

Retainers

Imagine retainers as the guardians of your newly straightened smile. They may be removable or fixed, but their mission remains the same: to hold your teeth in their new, correct positions, protecting the hard work you've put into achieving that perfect alignment.

Dr. Brodsky and his dedicated team will guide you on how to care for your retainer and inform you about the duration of wear. Remember, wearing your retainers as directed is crucial to prevent your teeth from attempting to return to their old ways.

Our fixed retainers are crafted in-house with precision and care, using a state-of-the-art Yoat robot machine for your convenience. As for our removable retainers, we entrust their creation to Align Technology, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality retainer on the market, the renowned Vivera.