Orthodontic Appliances


Headgear | Facemask (Reverse Headgear) | Lower Lingual Arch | Forsus | Expander (RPE) | Thumb/Finger Appliance | Lip Bumper | Tongue Thrusting Appliance | Interproximal Recontouring | TAD's | TPA (Trans-Palatal Arch | Separators | Elastics




Facemask (Reverse Headgear)

headgerIn some cases where an underbite is present, we may recommend using reverse headgear (face mask) as part of the treatment plan. This appliance is designed to fix the discrepancy between your upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward to correct the malocclusion.

For the results to be successful, patient compliance is of the utmost importance. It may take several days to become accustomed to the appliance. With practice, it will become easier to place and remove the reverse headgear. We will determine the length of time you should wear your headgear, but it is generally 10-14 hours per day, which can include wearing while you sleep. You should not wear your headgear while participating in sporting activities.

Sometimes your chin may get irritated from the headgear. If this happens, you should always keep the area clean and often change the insert in the chin cup. If the skin becomes very dry, the use of moisturizing cream twice a day can be helpful. If your jaw joints are extremely sore or you cannot open and close your mouth without difficulty, stop wearing the appliance and contact us for further instructions as we may need to fit you with a different appliance. Also, if your headgear breaks or is bent, call us so we can fit you in with a repair appointment so your treatment will not be delayed.

Lower Lingual Arch









Expander (RPE)

Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the Rapid Palatal Expander is an orthodontic device used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. It is typically used when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw or when the upper teeth are crowded or blocked out of the dental arch. 

When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.

Thumb/Finger Appliance



Lip Bumpers



Tongue Thrusting Appliance



Interproximal Recontouring

Interproximal recontouring refers to a procedure in which the orthodontist will reshape your teeth by sculpting the sides of the teeth. This can correct cracked, chipped, crooked or misaligned teeth. Instead of braces, crowns or veneers, you can choose to have interproximal recontouring to change the shape and look of your teeth to enhance your smile!



Temporary anchorage devices may not be recommended for everyone, and in fact, anchorage devices at all may not be needed in all cases. Contact us if you'd like to know more about TADs and how they can potentially prevent you from needing orthodontic headgear.

TPA (Trans-Palatal Arch)

The Trans-Palatal Arch is an orthodontic appliance used to maintain the upper jaw's arch width and move molars into positions that wires alone can't. The appliance is banded around the first molars on each side of the mouth, and a thin wire spans across the roof of the mouth.

Patients should be sure to brush and their appliance daily. Also, avoid sticky, chewy or hard foods as these can get caught between the appliance and the roof of your mouth. These foods may also break your Trans-Palatal Arch.


separatorsSeparators are small elastics that fit snugly between certain teeth to move them slightly so bands can be placed around them later. Separators can fall out on their own if enough space has already been created. To determine if it needs to be replaced, slip some dental floss between the teeth; if it gets stuck, that means the separator hasn't created enough room and needs to be replaced prior to your banding appointment.


