Your Braces Guide
Appliances & Attachments
In some cases, braces alone aren’t enough to achieve the best results. That’s where appliances and attachments come in. These tools help guide your bite, create space, or move teeth more efficiently. Here's what you might encounter during your treatment — and how to care for each one:
Elastics (Rubber Bands) -- Used to adjust your bite by connecting the top and bottom teeth. Wear them exactly as instructed for the best results, and replace them daily or as needed.
Forsus™ Appliance -- A spring-like appliance used to correct overbites without headgear. It’s fixed in place and works around the clock. Stick to soft foods at first and keep up with brushing.
Headgear (Including Reverse) -- Worn outside the mouth to guide jaw growth and tooth position. Usually worn at night. Follow wear-time instructions closely and store it safely when not in use.
MARA Appliance -- A fixed appliance that helps shift the lower jaw forward to improve bite. It works full-time and requires good brushing habits, especially around the bands and arms.
Palatal Expander -- Used to widen the upper jaw. We'll show you how to turn the key for adjustments — usually once a day. Keep it clean with rinsing and gentle brushing.
TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) -- Tiny screws placed in the mouth to help move specific teeth. They’re placed comfortably and need to be kept clean with gentle brushing and rinsing.