Elastics
Elastics, also called rubber bands, are very important in achieving an excellent result. For most patients, wearing elastics will be part of their orthodontic treatment. Elastics help to guide the top teeth and bottom teeth toward a better fit. You will not receive elastics right away. Elastic wear, if needed, generally starts within four to six months after treatment commences. In order to establish an excellent bite, elastics must be worn at all times, except when eating and brushing your teeth. Faithful elastic wear also reduces the overall time in treatment. It is important to wear elastics as prescribed.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander expands or widens the upper jaw. This appliance is necessary if the upper jaw is too narrow, affecting how the top teeth fit with the bottom teeth. It is generally used in younger and teenage patients that are still growing. The expansion usually takes place over one to two weeks. Then the appliance remains attached to the back teeth for approximately four months. At that time, it is removed and orthodontic treatment continues with braces. No worries! Patients only experience some momentary slight pressure when the screw device is turned. It is a great appliance to help expand the upper arch in growing patients.
Retainers
Retainers are critical to maintain an excellent result after braces are removed or after clear aligner/Invisalign® treatment. It takes several months for the bone around teeth to firm up after treatment. Retainers make sure that teeth do not move during this time. It is also important to continue wearing retainers, at least at night, while the wisdom teeth are present. Wisdom teeth put pressure on the back teeth which will, in turn, cause your bottom front teeth to move. Wearing retainers will prevent this from happening. Once the wisdom teeth are removed, it is safe to go to very part-time night-time wear with the retainers. If your retainers are ever lost or broken, it is imperative that you have new retainers made for you ASAP, especially immediately after treatment and while the wisdom teeth are still present.
Separators
Separators are little donut shaped elastics to provide some separation between two respective teeth. Separators are used to create space in front of and behind molar teeth that will be fitted with molar bands or palatal expander. They are also used to create space for teeth that are overly crowded or unable to fully erupt. Separators that are placed for molar bands or palatal expanders are usually in the mouth for only one week’s time and are removed prior to the molar bands’ or palatal expander’s placement. The space created by the separator allows for the molar bands or palatal expander to be easily placed without any discomfort to the patient. It is best to avoid sticky foods and flossing around the separator to prevent it from being dislodged.