Dental Appliances

In orthodontic treatment, sometimes your teeth need a bit of extra support to move into their ideal positions. This is where dental appliances come into play. These specialized devices enhance the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment, making it more efficient and tailored to your specific needs.

Types of Dental Appliances

At Marc Allen Orthodontics, Dr. Marc Allen will work with you to determine the best dental appliance for your treatment. Here are the primary types of appliances used:

Spacers and Separators

Spacers or separators are used to create space between your teeth, allowing orthodontic bands to be placed more easily during future visits. While wearing separators, avoid sticky foods and be cautious with flossing, as these can dislodge the spacers. If a spacer falls out, it’s generally not a concern unless it occurs more than two days before your next appointment.

Herbst Appliance

The Herbst Appliance is designed to correct an overbite by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars to move backward. This appliance is mainly used for younger patients and is typically worn for about 12-15 months.

Dr. Allen is very selective with all the various appliances.   He does not want to do treatment that will result in known compromises that will challenge the natural supporting structures of the teeth long term.  “Just because a Herbst will fix an overbite does not mean it’s a healthy choice. Come see us to learn how or why you are a great candidate for fixing your overbite using a Herbst.

Forsus Appliance

The Forsus Appliance works in conjunction with braces to address misalignments between the upper and lower jaws. It is a fixed device that improves the function and alignment of your teeth by working on both the upper and lower jaws simultaneously.

TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)

TADs are cutting-edge orthodontic technology that provides stable anchorage for tooth movement. They function like anchors on a boat, holding teeth in place while allowing for precise adjustments.

TADs eliminate the need for headgear or surgery, reduce treatment time, and offer greater comfort compared to traditional anchorage systems. They are safe and painless, and Dr. Allen considered them the Gold Standard in treatment planning.

Occlusal Adjustment

Dr. Allen has been trained an additional 2 years after dental school on how adult teeth should fit together to allow for a stable occlusion free of interferences and prematurities.  He specializes in adjusting the bite so that you can’t tell what tooth is hitting another in the mouth, they just work giving you zero sensation other than enjoyment with eating, singing, sleeping, and more.  

Most headaches are a result of a bad bite.  All grinding can be blamed on at least one tooth being in the wrong spot.  Ask Dr. Allen how he can help you achieve a bite that will last a lifetime free of dental/head pain. 

Contact Us for More Information

If you have any questions or need more details about dental appliances, please contact us for a consultation. Our team is here to assist you and ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.

At Marc Allen Orthodontics, we prioritize advanced technology and personalized care to achieve the best results for every patient.