Types of Appliances
Carriere® Motion Appliance
The Carriere® Motion 3D™ Appliances are used to correct either an overbite or an underbite. Traditional treatment for this type of occlusion can include headgear, surgery, and extractions, all of which are eliminated by the non-invasive, sleek, and aesthetic Motion 3D Appliances.
Which Motion Appliance is Right for You?
Regardless of your occlusion, the Motion 3D Appliance creates an aligned bite before your braces are even put on. By doing this, your orthodontist can shorten your treatment time for the most efficient experience possible.
The Motion 3D Class II Appliance is designed to help the lower jaw move forward to correct an overbite.
The Motion 3D Class III Appliance helps the lower jaw move backward to correct an underbite.
Benefits of Motion 3D
- Fast: Correcting bite problems at the beginning of orthodontic treatment can shorten overall treatment time by up to four months!
- Gentle: The low force, low profile design of the Motion 3D Appliance eliminates poking of the lips and cheeks.
- Aesthetic: Unlike bulky headgear, the Motion 3D Appliance is discreetly hidden inside your mouth.
- Personalized: Make your treatment unique by selecting the Motion 3D Appliance in one of your favorite colors: blue, green, purple, silver, gold, multicolor, and even clear!
For the best results…
- Replace your rubber bands every four hours, or at the interval recommended by your orthodontist.
- Only remove your rubber bands to eat and brush.
- Avoid eating sticky or hard foods, as they may dislodge your appliance.
- Maintain your scheduled appointments to allow your orthodontist to monitor your treatment and adjust it to achieve your best smile results.
Carriere Motion Appliance for Class II Correction
Carriere® Motion™ Appliance for Class III Correction
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. Headgear gently "pulls" on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.
Facemask Therapy Class III
A facemask is an appliance used in orthodontic treatment to correct underbites (also known as Class III orthodontic malocclusions). The facemask assists in pulling forward the upper jaw to allow for it to "catch up" to the growth of the lower jaw.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.
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.