Orthodontic Appliances

At The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, we use a variety of orthodontic appliances to help guide your teeth and jaw into their ideal positions. Each appliance plays an important role in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Here’s what you need to know about the appliances we may recommend during your treatment:

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

Elastics — also known as rubber bands — help improve how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Wearing elastics exactly as prescribed by the doctors at The Smile Makers is key to making sure your treatment stays on track. These small bands work most effectively when worn consistently, so be sure to follow instructions carefully for the best results.

Forsus™ Appliance

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear, designed to help teens correct excessive overbites. This appliance encourages proper jaw growth, improves the fit of the teeth, and may even prevent the need for jaw surgery later in life. The Forsus appliance is easy to wear and helps guide your smile toward its ideal alignment.

Headgear

Headgear is used in cases where patients have an overbite or underbite — when the upper or lower jaw extends too far forward. Headgear gently applies pressure to guide jaw growth and reposition the teeth for a healthier bite. The doctors at The Smile Makers will explain how and when to wear headgear to get the most benefit from this treatment.

Herbst® Appliance

The Herbst® appliance is a fixed appliance used primarily for younger, growing patients. It helps correct overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward and the upper molars to shift backward. This appliance is typically worn for 12 to 15 months and can help avoid more invasive treatments in the future.

Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space for crowded teeth. By placing gentle pressure on the upper molars, the expander gradually adjusts the jaw width. The doctors at The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics will show you how and when to adjust your expander. After achieving the right expansion, you’ll wear the device for several months to stabilize the results.

Positioners

Positioners are used at the final stage of orthodontic treatment to make those last, perfect adjustments to your teeth. With full cooperation, most patients only need to wear their positioner for four to eight weeks to complete their smile transformation.

Retainers

Once your braces or aligners come off, retainers help maintain your beautiful new smile. Retainers can be either removable or fixed and are crucial for preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. The doctors at The Smile Makers will give you clear instructions on how to care for your retainer and how long to wear it.

Separators (Spacers)

Separators, or spacers, are small rubber rings placed between your teeth to create space for orthodontic bands that will be placed at your next appointment. They’re temporary and will be removed before band placement. Avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss while wearing separators, as they can dislodge the appliance.

Personalized Orthodontic Care for Every Smile

At The Smile Makers at Coastal Carolina Orthodontics, we carefully select each appliance to support your specific treatment plan. Whether it’s rubber bands, expanders, or retainers, each tool is part of your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Looking for expert orthodontic care in Morehead City, Havelock or Jacksonville, NC? Schedule your consultation with The Smile Makers today and let us help you achieve the smile you deserve!

All of our doctors have achieved Board Certification with the American Board of Orthodontics. Being Board Certified means our doctors have demonstrated the ability to diagnose and treat the most challenging orthodontic problems, and achieve beautiful and functional results! This certification is attained by only a fraction of orthodontists in the country, and we are the only Board Certified Orthodontists in the area. Choose to be treated by the best!