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The Rapid Palatal Expander (R.P.E.) widens the upper arch through manual activation of a screw mechanism. Our office will instruct you on activating your expander once it is placed. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the expander will no longer need activation and will be worn for a few months as the expansion stabilizes, thus preventing relapse. A Pendulum is another style of expander that is designed to widen the upper jaw while moving the upper molars back, thus creating space to better align your crowded teeth.
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The Schwartz expander is a lower removable appliance worn to expand the lower arch. The appliance is activated manually through a screw mechanism until desired expansion is achieved. After expansion is complete, the Schwatz is worn as a retainer.
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A Space Maintainer may be used for children that display crowding issues. They are placed in the lower arch to hold the permanent molars in place while the baby teeth fall out and the permanent teeth erupt. It is also used to hold space when baby teeth are lost prematurely. A Nance is an appliance that works very similar to the space maintainer, but is designed for the upper arch.
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Separators (spacers) are doughnut shaped elastic rings. They are placed between your back teeth to create sufficient spaced to properly, and comfortably place your braces. The spacers are usually in place for about one week before they are removed and orthodontic bands are placed. Eating sticky, chewy foods such as: Gum, caramels and taffy is strictly forbidden while spacers are in place.
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Many patients are required to wear elastics or "rubber bands" at some point of their orthodontic treatment. These small elastic bands are used to obtain desired tooth movement as well as proper alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Patient cooperation with elastic wear is essential to finishing treatment on time, and with the best possible result.
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Bite Turbo’s are sometimes placed in conjunction with your braces. They work very efficiently in assisting us in the opening of a deep overbite. Once the overbite is corrected, the bite turbo’s may be removed. Treatment time varies from patient to patient.
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The Forsus Appliance is placed to reduce overjet by advancing the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This appliance is placed in conjunction with your braces and is removed when desired position is achieved.
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The Herbst appliance or "Bite Jumper" enhances the position of the lower jaw by positioning it forward and holding it there while gently moving the upper molars backward, thus reducing overjet. You can see the improvement in the facial profile as soon as the bite jumper is inserted. The bite jumper is used in more severe cases and usually worn for about 12 months.
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Retainers are removable appliances inserted after the completion of orthodontic treatment. These appliances are designed to hold your teeth in their new corrected position. Our office will give you instructions on retainer wear and proper care the day your retainers are placed. Wearing retainers as instructed is essential to maintaining your beautiful new smile.
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