Palatal Expander
The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below 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 regression.
ADJUSTING THE PALATAL EXPANDER
You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document.
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
Clear Braces
Our clear braces are made of clear plastic and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. Although they are visually less prominent, they require more attention to oral hygiene because clear braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, clear braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Clear Braces
Our clear braces are made of clear plastic and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. Although they are visually less prominent, they require more attention to oral hygiene because clear braces are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts. For these reasons, clear braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type, and are more comfortable today than ever. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.