Lower Lingual Arch
​
A fixed appliance used to keep the lower molars from moving forward.
Mouthguard
​
A removable plastic piece that fits over the teeth. It protects the teeth and inside of the mouth when playing sports.
​
Nance
​
A fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward.
​
​
​
​
​
Nightguard (Splint)
​
A removable plastic piece worn at night to minimize harmful effects of bruxism (grinding)
Pendulum
​
An appliance that moves the upper molars backward. A pendulum is used for creating space to align the upper teeth and for improving overject problems.
​
Positioner
​
A removable appliance used to finalize tooth movements after the braces are removed.
Quad-helix
A fixed appliance used to expand the upper or lower arch.
Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
​
A type of palatal expander. The RPE usually has a screw which the patient or parent turns to widen the upper jaw.
​
​
TPA
​
A fixed appliance used to keep the upper molars from moving forward and down.
Tongue Crib
​
An appliance used to prevent the tongue from thrusting forward.
Bionator
​
An acrylic appliance which fits on the upper and lower teeth, and postures the lower jaw forward. A bionator is used to encourage lower jaw grouth.
Bite Plate
​
A fixed or removable appliance used to open a deep bite (decrease the vertical overlap of the upper and lower incisors).
Bonded RPE
​
A palatal expander which in addition to the metal framework, contains plastic over the biting surfaces of the back teeth. This type of expander is used to minimize bite opening during expansion.
Haas Expander
​
A palatal expander which addition to the metal framework, contains plastic shelves which contact the palatal tissue.
Herbst
​
A fixed appliance that improves "overbite" by encouraging lower jaw growth.
Tongue Spurs
​
Pointy metal spurs that are used to control a tongue-thrusting habit. Tongue spurs can be bonded to the teeth or soldered onto an appliance such as a lingual arch.
Thumb Appliance
​
An appliance used to curb a thumb or fingersucking habit. The appliance makes it difficult for the patient to keep the digit in the mouth.
Twin Block
A two piece appliance which consists of upper and lower pieces with ramps that guide the lower jaw forward when the patient closes down. The twin block is used to encourage lower jaw growth.