Orthodontic Appliances: Which Treatment Needs Them?
Your appliance is selected for your treatment plan.
Orthodontic appliances are tools that help guide tooth movement, support jaw growth, hold space for developing teeth, or improve bite alignment. Some are fixed, some are temporary, and some patients may not need a separate appliance. The right choice depends on age, jaw development, tooth position, bite, and treatment goals.
Russell Orthodontics is Your Invisalign Orthodontist and a current Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider serving children, teens, and adults in Athens, Grayson, Watkinsville, and nearby Georgia communities. During a consultation, the team evaluates your smile and explains how Invisalign, including age-specific care such as Invisalign First, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign for adults, may fit your goals. When clinically appropriate, the team can also explain how a supporting appliance or traditional braces plan fits into your treatment discussion.
What do orthodontic appliances do?
Orthodontic appliances are selected to solve a specific problem, such as creating space, guiding jaw growth, controlling a tooth, or supporting bite correction. They are not one-size-fits-all. A qualified orthodontic evaluation determines whether an appliance is appropriate and how it fits into your complete plan.
Do not adjust, activate, or remove an appliance on your own. Contact the orthodontic team if it feels loose, causes persistent discomfort, or is not fitting as expected.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander may be used for some growing children when the upper jaw needs additional width. It applies gradual pressure to help create room or address certain developing bite concerns. The orthodontic team decides whether expansion is appropriate after examining growth, bite, and imaging. If recommended, the team will explain cleaning, care, and any activation instructions. Follow only the instructions provided for your appliance.
Forsus
Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device may be used with braces in some patients to help address certain overbite or Class II bite patterns. It uses spring components to encourage a healthier relationship between upper and lower teeth while teeth are guided into position. Not every overbite needs this device, and the treatment plan depends on growth, bite, and tooth movement. Keep it clean and contact the team for fit or comfort concerns.
TADs
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small temporary anchors placed in the jawbone by the orthodontic team. They can provide a stable point when selected teeth need controlled movement while nearby teeth stay more stable. A TAD is not a replacement tooth or a permanent dental implant. The team will explain placement, care, and removal if a TAD is part of treatment.
Teeth Separators or Spacers
Separators or spacers are small temporary pieces that create room between teeth, often before bands or another appliance are placed. They are used only when needed and are usually worn for a short period set by the orthodontic team. Avoid picking at or removing them, and contact the office if one comes out or discomfort becomes significant.
Nance Appliance
A Nance appliance may help hold the upper molars in position or maintain space during certain phases of treatment. It typically uses bands on selected molars and an acrylic pad that rests against the palate. The design and wear time vary by patient. The team will show you how to keep it clean and monitor your progress.
Reverse-Pull Headgear (Orthodontic Facemask)
Reverse-pull headgear, also called an orthodontic facemask, may be recommended for some growing children with an underbite or an upper jaw that needs forward guidance. Growth, bite severity, and timing all matter, so the orthodontist determines whether it is appropriate. If recommended, the team provides specific wear and care instructions. Never change wear time without guidance.
Lower Lingual Arch (Space Maintainer)
A lower lingual arch, sometimes called a space maintainer, may help preserve room for developing permanent teeth after early tooth loss or when molar position needs support. It is fitted along the inside of the lower teeth and may be used during a planned phase of treatment. The team monitors fit, hygiene, and the space being maintained.
Quad-Helix Appliance
A Quad-Helix appliance may be used to assist with certain upper-arch width, crowding, or crossbite concerns. It is usually fixed to the upper molars and works as part of a broader treatment plan. Your orthodontist will explain how to clean around it and what to do if it feels loose or irritating.
Pendulum Appliance/ Distal Jet
Pendulum appliances and distal jets may be used in selected cases to move molars and create space for other teeth. These appliances sit inside the mouth and are designed around the patient’s bite and treatment goals. They are not right for everyone, and the orthodontic team will review the expected benefits, limits, and care steps before treatment begins.
Live your most confident life with a plan built for your smile.
As Your Invisalign Orthodontist and a current Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider, Russell Orthodontics helps patients understand how Invisalign may fit their smile goals. When clinically appropriate, the team can also explain how a supporting appliance or traditional braces may fit into care. Request a Free Consult at a convenient Athens, Grayson, or Watkinsville location.
Live your most confident life with a plan built for your smile.
As Your Invisalign Orthodontist and a current Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider, Russell Orthodontics helps patients understand how Invisalign may fit their smile goals. When clinically appropriate, the team can also explain how a supporting appliance or traditional braces may fit into care. Request a Free Consult at a convenient Athens, Grayson, or Watkinsville location.
