We use a variety of advanced orthodontic appliances to help guide jaw growth, correct bite issues, and create beautiful, healthy smiles. Each appliance serves a unique purpose and is customized to meet your individual treatment needs.
Carriere® Motion 3D™
The Carriere® Motion 3D™ appliances are designed to correct an overbite or underbite in a more efficient and comfortable way. Traditional treatment for these bite abnormalities often involved headgear, extractions, or even surgery — but the Motion 3D appliance offers a sleek, non-invasive alternative. By correcting your bite before braces or aligners are placed, this appliance helps shorten overall treatment time and enhances results.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Elastics play an important role in improving how your upper and lower teeth fit together (your bite). For best results, it’s important to wear your rubber bands consistently and exactly as prescribed.
Forsus™
The Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear that helps correct excessive overbites, particularly in adolescents. It facilitates natural jaw growth and alignment, improving the bite and minimizing the need for future jaw surgery.
Headgear
Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. This appliance restricts the upper jaw from growing forward in overbite patients and pulls the upper jaw forward during growth in underbite patients.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward while guiding the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is typically used for younger, growing patients and is worn for about 12 months.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw to correct a crossbite or create more space for teeth to align properly. The appliance works by applying gentle pressure to the upper molars each time it’s adjusted. You will be instructed when and how to adjust your expander. Once the desired width is achieved, the expander is left in place for several months to stabilize the results and prevent regression.
Separators (Spacers)
Separators are small rubber rings placed between teeth to open space for future orthodontic bands placement. They are temporary and removed prior to bonding braces or appliances. To prevent them from coming loose, avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss in that area while they’re in place.
Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) are small titanium anchors used to provide additional support during tooth movement. They allow for more efficient and precise tooth control, often reducing treatment time and the need for other appliances.
How are TADs placed?
A local anesthetic is used to numb the gum and jaw area, and the TAD is gently inserted into the gum and bone. The procedure is quick and comfortable — you may feel slight pressure, but this typically disappears within a day. Once your treatment is complete or the device is no longer needed, the TAD is easily and comfortably removed in just a few minutes.
Twin Block Appliance
The twin block appliance is made of two removable acrylic plates — one for the upper arch and one for the lower. Working together, they help guide the lower jaw forward to correct overbites and improve facial balance. This appliance is worn full-time, including while eating, but can be removed for cleaning. Because it uses smooth acrylic and fewer wires, it’s more comfortable and easier to adapt to than other jaw-correcting devices. The result? A well-balanced bite, improved jaw function, a more harmonious profile, and a confident, healthy smile.
MARA Appliance
The MARA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance) encourages forward growth of the lower jaw to correct severe overbites. It’s a fixed appliance anchored to the molars with crowns or bands and adjusted periodically by your orthodontist. By guiding jaw development, the MARA appliance can help minimize the need for extractions or orthognathic surgery and set the foundation for a stable, long-term result.