• Archwire

    A metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.

  • Brackets

    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

    Elastics or rubber bands help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. These 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.

  • Fixed Retainers

    Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.

  • Forsus

    A forsus appliance is used to correct a class II bite by pushing the lower teeth forward and the upper teeth backward. Unlike rubber bands, this appliance is not removable.

  • Hawley Retainer

    An appliance that the orthodontist gives you to wear after your braces are removed. The retainer fits over your upper and / or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position while the bone around your teeth stabilizes. At first, you wear the retainer 24 hours a day, and then only at night.

  • Invisalign

    Invisalign® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that are used as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.

  • Mouthguard

    A device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sports. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients, to prevent injuries.

  • Palatal Expander

    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 upper and lower teeth will fit together better.

  • Schwartz

    A functional appliance used to expand the upper or lower dental arches. It is adjusted daily as instructed until the arch has been widened enough, and is then left in place for a period of time to allow for stabilization of the widened arch.

  • Separators

    Separators are tiny rubber bands or springs that your orthodontist places between your back teeth. These separators prepare your mouth for braces by creating a small gap between these teeth. This space allows for the placement of a metal band around your molar, which anchors your braces in your mouth.