Orthodontic Appliances

Why appliances matter

Braces and aligners do most of the work, but some movements need extra help. Appliances make space, guide growth, correct bites, and hold results in place.

Common appliances and what they do

• Palatal expanders — gently widen a narrow upper jaw to fix crossbites and make room for teeth.
• Space maintainers — hold a gap open when a baby tooth is lost early, so permanent teeth can come in properly.
• Elastics (rubber bands) — connect upper and lower braces to correct the bite.
• Bite correctors — help bring the upper and lower jaws into better alignment.
• Habit appliances — help children stop thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
• Retainers — fixed or removable, they keep teeth from shifting back after treatment.

When are appliances needed?

We'll recommend an appliance only when it will make your treatment shorter, easier or more stable. You'll know exactly what it does, how long you'll wear it, and how to care for it.

Lost or broken retainer?

Call the office nearest you — we make replacement retainers for patients old and new.