Auxiliary Mechanics / Orthopedic Dynamics (Bone Moving)

 

 

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

 

 

Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth (occlusion).  Please wear rubber bands as instructed and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are worn as prescribed.  They are always to be worn 24/7, or pm only.  Dr. Feldman and staff will let you know exactly how and when to wear them at each visit.  Great compliance will speed up your treatment time.

 

 

 

Herbst® Appliance - Mandibular (lower jaw) Advancement

 

 

The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by advancing the lower jaw position through growth and development.  This appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children, and is worn for about 8-10 months.  A hand/wrist radiograph will be taken of the left hand (same thing pediatric endocrinologists take) to assess the carpal index and render height determination at growth cessation.  Dr. Feldman will explain.

 

 

 

Maxillary Expanders - Maxillary (upper jaw) Expansion

 

 

The maxillary or palatal expander "expands" (or widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made.  Dr. Feldman will instruct you about when and how your expander is adjusted.  Once you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.  Expanders are usually worn for 6-8 months.

 

 

 

Mandibular Expanders - Mandibular (lower jaw) Expansion

 

 

Same principle as the maxillary expanders; however, used on the lower arch.

 

 

 

Retainers

 

 

Retainers may be removable or fixed.  They hold your teeth in their new, corrected positions after your teeth have been straightened.  Dr. Feldman will instruct you on how to care for your retainers and about the duration of the wear.  Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent relapse of your beautiful orthodontic results.

 

 

 

Separators or Spacers

 

 

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