Orthodontic Appliances

Carriere Motion Appliance

The Carriere Motion is an orthodontic appliance used to address misaligned back teeth before braces are put on. It attaches to the canine tooth and the permanent first molar on each side of the mouth and is connected by an elastic band. The appliance is individually sized to fit your mouth and directs backward movement with controlled rotation of the molars so that the entire canine to molar segment moves together. Treatment time takes an average of six months to complete and can be a great help to prepare the mouth for braces/Invisalign.

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. We 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.

Positioners

Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for 4-8 weeks.

Retainers

Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. We 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. Read more about retainers here.

Temporary Anchorage Device (TADs)

TADs are small titanium anchors used for the purpose of providing orthodontic anchorage to the teeth. These are removed upon the completion of treatment. TADs may not only shorten treatment but also to accomplish goals that are not achievable with regular braces.