RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)

This fixed appliance is used in orthodontics to create more space in the jaws during growth, to accommodate teeth. It works by separating the two bones of the upper jaws which are connected at the roof of the mouth by a suture. The best time to use this appliance is when you are still growing before the upper jaw bones become connected permanently. The appliance must remain in your mouth for about 2-4 weeks during expansion, and for about 4 months afterwards to stabilize and reduce relapse.

Quad Helix Expander

This fixed appliance is different from other expanders in that it doesn’t require patient compliance & expands the upper jaw more slowly, thus creating a more gentle physiological response. This is an excellent appliance to expand narrow upper jaws & to treat mild-moderate crowding and or cross-bites. The appliance must remain in your mouth for about 4-6 months.

TPA (Transpalatal Arch) or LLA (Lower Lingual Arch)

A TPA is a holding arch used in the upper arch to maintain the position of the upper molars (for anchorage). We often use a TPA in cases where extractions are needed to correct crowding and/or “overbite” (overjet or protrusion) to ensure that maximal retraction of the anterior teeth is achieved. A LLA is a holding arch used on the lower arch to maintain the position of the lower molars. We commonly use a LLA in cases where a primary (baby) lower molar is lost prematurely, to ensure the adult molars do not tip forward into the valuable space.

Headgear

If worn consistently the headgear is designed to hold the upper jaw back against excessive forward growth & move the upper molars back to correct your bite. This helps to both balance your profile, correct crowding & fix your “overbite.”

Facemask (Reverse-pull Headgear)

If worn consistently the facemask is designed to move the upper jaw and molars forward to correct your “underbite”. This helps to both balance your profile, prevent excessive Class III growth and correct your anterior crossbite.

Forsus (Fixed Class II Corrector)

The Forsus is a fixed appliance that attaches to your braces in order to correct your bite. It functions by applying gentle, steady pressure – gradually pushing the upper arch of teeth backwards and lower arch of teeth forwards, until the proper amount of overbite correction is achieved. The Forsus will remain attached to the braces, until the proper amount of bite correction is achieved (generally about 4 months).

Tongue Crib (Habit Appliance)

We use a tongue crib habit appliance more often in younger patients who present with an active habit such as an anterior tongue thrust, thumb or finger habit, and /or an openbite. These entities are commonly connected in that the habit (finger/thumb sucking) can create a narrow upper jaw and openbite and upper dental flaring, which leads to the anterior tongue thrust.

Biteplate

We use a removable anterior biteplate in cases where the overbite is too deep, and often causing damage to surrounding teeth & gum tissue.

The anterior bite plate when used in our younger patients allows for us to continue to correct a deep bite even after Phase I orthodontic treatment is completed as these can be used as a Phase I Retainers.

Retainers

Your retainers are custom designed to maintain the stability of your new smile. After the teeth have moved, and the surrounding bone has stabilized, the gum tissue surrounding each tooth takes an additional 4-6 months to remodel and stabilize around the new position of our teeth. Read more about your retainers by clicking the image above.