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.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your palatal bones each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Wiggins 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 stabilze the expansion and to prevent regression.
If you have any questions about how to turn your palatal expander at home, please refer to our "Emergency Care" page under our "Contact Us" tab.
Wilson Arch
A Wilson Arch appliance is designed to move the first molars back to the proper bite position. The space that is created by the appliance is used to align crowded teeth and also create a functional bite relationship. This is the modern version of a headgear appliance.
Carriere Motion Appliance
Utilizing the latest in advanced orthodontics technology, the Motion Appliance ensures a fast, effective, and aesthetic first phase treatment. Plus, by jumpstarting your orthodontic care with the Motion Appliance, your overall treatment time is reduced, which means less time in braces. .
Fixed Lingual Arch (FLA)
A fixed lingual arch (FLA) appliance is used to retain tooth space until all permanent teeth are in and the patient is ready to start treatment.