Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember they work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite or underbite. An overbite (excessive overjet) is when the upper jaw is forward of the lower jaw. An underbite is when the lower jaw is forward of the upper jaw. Headgear is used to help correct this incorrect jaw growth in order to get the upper and lower jaws fitting together properly.
Palatal Expander
The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper jaw each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Young 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.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. We 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 relapse of your treatment.
