EducationTypes of Appliances

Types of Braces
Not only are today’s braces better looking and more comfortable than ever before, patients also have a variety of different orthodontic options to choose from. These include stainless-steel braces, tooth-colored braces, Invisalign® and more.

Stainless-Steel Braces
The stainless-steel braces we use are an updated variation on the versatile, metal twin bracket system that orthodontists around the world have trusted for more than 25 years. These low-profile brackets feature a technologically advanced, visually intuitive design that provides favorable esthetics and enhanced patient comfort.

Clear, Self-Ligating, Tooth-Colored Braces
Our technologically advanced ceramic bracket system brings you the confidence of a beautiful smile both during and after treatment.

With clear, self-ligating, tooth-colored braces, people may not even realize you're wearing braces. Other clear or so-called invisible braces have elastic ties that can yellow during treatment. Self-ligating braces are more discrete and resistant to staining and discoloration throughout treatment.

Self-ligating technology uses integrated clips to hold your arch wire in place, instead of traditional rubber bands (ligatures) that tend to stain and wear down over time. These clips allow your orthodontist to make quicker wire adjustments and deliver the rewarding experience you deserve on the path to your ideal smile.

Carriere® Motion by Henry Schein
The Carriere Motion appliance applies a gentle force on the canines and molars and improves the relationship of the bite. This discreet, comfortable, low-profile appliance installs in minutes and requires no bands, crowns or lab services – all prior to fitting braces, brackets or aligners.

Unlike other treatment options, the Motion Appliance is sleek, minimally invasive and works so effectively by significantly reducing treatment time. The Carriere motion can also reduce the possibility of extractions and jaw surgery in the future.

Advantages

• Shorter treatment time – the appliance is used before braces for faster movement of teeth and less time in braces
• Elastics early on – elastics are worn in the beginning of treatment
• Esthetically pleasing – the unique design makes the appliance hardly noticeable
• Sleek, low profile design – low profile design and smooth surface makes it comfortable to wear
• Easy to keep clean – easy to brush and floss your teeth with the appliance on

Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic option which utilizes the latest advances in 3-D computer technology. Teeth are moved using a series of custom-made clear aligners that are nearly invisible. This treatment option is best for patients with orthodontic problems such as mild to moderate spacing or crowding, or relapse from previous orthodontic treatment.

Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is a device used to widen the upper jaw when it is narrow, usually to alleviate a crossbite situation (which is where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth). The palatal expander can be either removable (removed by the patient for cleaning and eating) or fixed (cemented in place and not removed by the patient).

Lower Lingual Holding Arch (Space Maintainer)
A space maintainer is designed to maintain the position of the lower molars as the baby teeth in front of them are replaced with permanent teeth. Sometimes it is used to prevent space closure when baby teeth are removed early due to decay or improper eruption. Depending on the bite, it may also be used to hold onto space that can later be used to relieve crowding of the lower front teeth. The appliance is cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient.

Bite Plate
The bite plate is designed to correct a deep bite (when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower front teeth). For optimal results, the bite plate must be worn 24 hours a day and only removed for eating and brushing.

Distalizing Appliance
The Distalizing appliance is specially designed to move upper teeth farther back in the mouth to help correct the bite. This appliance is cemented in place and cannot be removed by the patient.

Habit Appliance
This appliance deters thumb (or other finger) sucking and tongue-thrust habits. It is cemented in place and usually stops the habit in the first couple of months.

Hawley Retainers
The Hawley is a stabilizing appliance which is usually used after orthodontic treatment is completed. A patient is given two retainers, one for the upper and a second for the lower teeth.

We offer a wide range of colors and designs for patients to choose from. Retainers are designed to help ensure that your wonderful smile and all the beautifully aligned teeth stay exactly that way and do not shift or change.

Vivera Retainers
Vivera retainers are clear retainers ordered from the company that makes Invisalign. They are fabricated from a digital scan of the teeth. They are usually used after orthodontic treatment is completed to maintain the position of the teeth.

Lower Bonded Retainer
A wire is cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower teeth. The lower bonded retainer supports the alignment of your lower front teeth and is not removable.

Modified Hawley Aligner
This retainer is useful in correcting minor rotations and crowding. When worn, the spring action of the wires provides a light force to align the teeth. It is similar to the traditional Hawley retainer and can be removed for eating and brushing.