Types of Orthodontic Appliances in Lakewood, CA – Pt. 1

Types of Appliances
There are many types of orthodontic appliances available when choosing the best treatment to straighten your teeth. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we take your smile personally and work hard to ensure that you receive only the best orthodontic treatment available. As an orthodontist in Lakewood, California (CA), I understand the needs of my patients and their families. It is important to learn about all of the options available to you. As such, this is part one in a series of posts related to types of orthodontic appliances available at my Lakewood, CA orthodontic practice.

To successfully complete your orthodontic treatment plan, patients must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the elastics (rubber bands), headgear or other appliances as prescribed. The following paragraphs describe the types of appliances that may be used during your treatment.

Separators (Spacers)
Separators are little rubber rings that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. To prevent separators from being removed prematurely, please avoid eating sticky foods and do not try to floss around them.

Palatal Expander
The palatal expander (widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Dr. Brodsky and his staff will instruct their patients how to adjust the expander.