Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.
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. Your orthodontist 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.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.
MARA Appliance
MARA stands for Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance. It is a non-removable appliance that encourages the growth of the lower jaw to help correct severe overbites and minimize the need for extractions or orthognathic surgery.
The MARA appliance is anchored to the molars with crowns, modified crowns, or bands. The lower attachments are fixed to the molars. The upper attachments are removable to enable your orthodontist to make adjustments according to your treatment plan.
