Orthodontic Appliances
How Do Orthodontic Expanders Improve Jaw Development?
Expanders are used to gently widen the upper jaw and create additional space for proper tooth alignment and airway development. Southern Maine Orthodontics utilizes advanced 3D-printed expanders for improved comfort, precision, and fit.
Dr. Murphy may also recommend a TAD-borne expander for certain patients who require more skeletal expansion and jaw correction.
If you have an expander, it’s important to follow all turning instructions carefully.
Helpful tips while wearing an expander:
- Turn the appliance exactly as instructed
- Brush carefully around the appliance and teeth
- Rinse with warm salt water if irritation occurs
- Use orthodontic wax if areas become sore
- Avoid sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice
As expansion begins, a temporary space between the front teeth is completely normal and expected.
When Is a Biteplate Used During Orthodontic Treatment?
A biteplate is an orthodontic appliance designed to help correct deep bites and improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together during treatment.
At Southern Maine Orthodontics, biteplates are custom 3D printed for improved precision, comfort, and efficiency. Biteplates may also help protect brackets and guide proper bite development throughout treatment.
Patients may notice temporary changes in speech or chewing during the adjustment period, but most adapt quickly within a few days.
Why Are Elastics Important During Orthodontic Treatment?
Elastics help move teeth and jaws in ways braces alone cannot. Wearing elastics consistently is essential for correcting bite alignment and helping treatment progress efficiently.
For elastics to work properly:
- Wear them exactly as prescribed
- Remove them only for eating and brushing
- Replace them immediately afterward
- Change them at least twice daily
- Keep extra elastics with you
Consistent elastic wear helps reduce treatment delays and supports the best possible final results.
How Does the Power Arm Bar Help Tooth Movement?
The American Orthodontics Power Arm Bar is a specialized appliance used to improve tooth movement and bite correction during orthodontic treatment. It helps apply targeted forces more efficiently and may improve overall treatment precision in certain cases.
Dr. Murphy will explain how this appliance works if it becomes part of your personalized treatment plan.
How Does the Forsus Appliance Correct Bite Problems?
The Forsus appliance is used to help correct certain bite issues by applying a steady, gentle force that guides jaw alignment and bite correction.
Forsus appliances:
- Help improve overbite correction
- Often reduce the need for headgear
- May shorten the amount of time elastics are needed
- Sit toward the back of the mouth and are minimally noticeable
The amount of time a Forsus appliance is worn depends on the specific correction needed.
Can Reverse Pull Headgear Help Correct an Underbite?
Reverse pull headgear is commonly used for younger patients, typically between ages 7 and 10, to help correct underbites and support proper upper jaw growth.
This appliance gently encourages forward growth of the upper jaw during important developmental years and may help reduce the need for more complex treatment later.
Dr. Murphy carefully monitors growth and timing to determine whether reverse pull headgear is appropriate for a child’s orthodontic needs.
Why Might Spacers Be Needed Before Braces?
Spacers, also called separators, are small rubber bands placed between teeth to create room for orthodontic bands, most commonly around back teeth.
You may notice temporary tenderness or pressure after spacers are placed. This is normal and usually improves within a few days.
While wearing spacers:
- Avoid sticky foods and chewing gum
- Brush carefully around the spacers
- Do not floss between teeth that contain spacers
- Contact our office if a spacer falls out
Although spacers may feel uncomfortable at first, this phase of treatment is temporary and usually passes quickly.
If you have questions about any orthodontic appliance, our team at Southern Maine Orthodontics is always here to help guide you through treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting orthodontic treatment often comes with a few questions. These answers are here to help you feel more comfortable and confident as you move through each stage of care.
How Long Will I Need to Wear These Appliances?
The length of time varies depending on your specific treatment plan and how your teeth and jaws respond. Some appliances are worn for a few weeks, while others may be needed for several months. Dr. Murphy will explain what to expect for your situation.
Is It Normal to Talk Differently at First?
Yes. Appliances like expanders or Forsus springs can temporarily affect speech. Most patients adjust within a few days as the tongue and muscles adapt.
What Should I Do If an Appliance Feels Loose?
If something feels loose, bent, or uncomfortable, contact our office. Do not try to adjust appliances on your own, as this can slow progress or cause discomfort.
Will These Appliances Make Treatment Faster?
When worn and used as directed, appliances help move teeth and jaws more efficiently, which can reduce overall treatment time and improve final results.
Who Do I Contact If I Have Questions Between Appointments?
Our team at Southern Maine Orthodontics is always happy to help. If you’re unsure about something or experiencing discomfort, just give us a call and we’ll guide you.
