Our equipment and materials

Elastics/rubber bands
When help is needed to move teeth elastics may be stretched from these teeth and attached to either the upper or lower appliances(braces etc). It's important to wear these as you are instructed or orthodontic treatment will take longer. If you have rubber bands during treatment please read our care of rubber bands information.

Headgear
Headgear is an appliance that uses the back or top of the head as an anchor while the upper teeth are pulled backward. This is often worn at home but can be worn all the time for a quicker effect.

Plates
Plates are appliances that can be taken in and out of the mouth by the patient. Plates cannot move teeth with the same degree of accuracy as braces but plates are better for treating some problems (e.g. narrow palates).

To read more about palatal expansion with a plate...

Functional appliances
Functional appliances are designed to try and alter jaw or bone growth. They come in many different designs. Some are 'glued' or 'fixed' to the teeth and some are removable like plates.