• Archwire

    A metal wire which is attached to your brackets to move your teeth.

  • Bands

    Bands are a ring of metal, which fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

  • Brackets

    Brackets are the small metal or ceramic modules attached to each tooth. They serve as guides to move the teeth and hold the archwire in place.

  • Buccal Tube

    A small metal part that is welded on the outside of a molar band. The molar band contains slots to hold archwires, lip bumpers, facebows and other things your orthodontist uses to move your teeth.

  • Chain

    A stretchable plastic chain used to hold archwires into brackets and to move teeth.

  • Elastics

    Elastics or rubber bands help move the upper and lower teeth relative to each other, ultimately achieving a better bite. These orthodontic rubber bands are typically effective for correcting overbites, underbites, or other types of alignments of the jaw. They are also useful for moving a tooth out of alignment or to close a space in the mouth.

  • Expander

    The Bonded Upper Expander is constructed with a palatal expansion screw whose metal arms are soldered to wire framework. The framework encircles all of the posterior teeth and supports the acrylic posterior bite plane. The Bonded Upper Expander is a way to widen a narrow upper jaw.

  • Fixed Retainers

    Fixed retainers consist of a metal wire bonded to the back of the teeth. Fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely.

  • Invisalign

    Invisalign® is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that are used as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces.

  • Quad Helix

    The Quad Helix is checked and expanded approximately once every six to eight weeks. After the expansion is complete, the Quad Helix will remain in the mouth until the expansion is stable. Patients may feel mild discomfort for a couple of days. The tongue and cheeks have to make adjustments to the new appliance. Speaking and eating will require patience and time getting used to your appliance. Avoid hard foods and sticky foods. You will be able to clean your teeth and Quad Helix with your regular toothbrush.

  • Lingual Arch

    A lingual arch is an orthodontic device which connects two molars in the upper or lower dental arch.

  • Mouthguard

    A device that is used to protect your mouth from injury when you are participating in sports. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients, to prevent injuries.

  • Palatal Expander

    A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth will fit together better.

  • Removable Retainer

    A gadget that the orthodontist gives you to wear after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and / or lower teeth and holds them in the correct position while your jaw hardens and your teeth get strongly attached to your jaw. At first, you wear the retainer 24 hours a day, and then only at night.

  • Separators

    Separators are tiny rubber bands or springs that your orthodontist places between your back teeth. These separators prepare your mouth for braces by creating a small gap between these teeth. This space allows for the placement of a metal band around your molar, which anchors your braces in your mouth.