To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with Dr. Chow and his team. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed.

The following describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Fixed Bite Correcting Springs

Fixed bite correcting springs reduce overbite by encouraging the lower jaw and teeth forwards and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for growing teenage children and is worn for about 3-6 months during the treatment with braces.

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper teeth each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Chow will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent relapse. Depending on the position of your teeth and bite, your expander may be fixed or removable.

Twin Block Appliance

The Twin Block appliance is a set of upper and lower removable appliances that promote the growth of the lower jaw. This removable appliance is used only in growing children, in conjunction with a significant pubertal growth spurt. The Twin Block appliance is usually worn for 9-12 months.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Dr. Chow and his team will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression or relapse of your treatment.

Visit the retainers page to learn more on how to care for your retainer »

Separators or Spacers

Separators are little rubber donuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.