Types of Appliances

Dr. Michael Cook may recommend one or more orthodontic appliances to help align your teeth and keep your treatment on track. Our orthodontist will carefully evaluate the positions of your teeth and jaws during your appointments to determine if an orthodontic appliance is needed, and if so, which type of appliance will provide you with the best results. To learn more about types of orthodontic appliances in Sandy, Utah, and schedule your consultation, call Cook Orthodontics at 801-523-2509.

Elastics & Rubber Bands

Elastics, or rubber bands, work to improve your bite and the fit of your upper and lower teeth. These rubber bands must be worn as directed in order to provide the desired result.

Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device

The Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear and works to promote proper jaw growth in adolescents. When used effectively, it can eliminate overbites, improve the fit of the teeth and even prevent the need for jaw surgery in the future.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are recommended when the upper jaw is too narrow to accommodate the teeth easily. This appliance works to gradually widen your upper jaw so that your teeth fit in your mouth properly. Our orthodontist will provide instructions on when and how to adjust your palatal expander to achieve the best results for your smile.

Positioners

Our orthodontist may recommend a positioner to complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. These movements are usually minor and you should not need to wear a positioner appliance for longer than four to eight weeks.

Retainers

Retainers are provided after your treatment is complete to keep your teeth in their proper positions and prevent them from regressing. Retainers may be fixed or removable depending on the type of retainer you receive. Our orthodontist will provide you with instructions on how to wear and care for your retainer at the time you receive it.

Separators or Spacers

Separators or spacers are an orthodontic appliance shaped like little rubber donuts. They are very small and are placed between the teeth to gently push them far enough apart for orthodontic bands to be placed on the teeth at the beginning of your treatment.

For more information about orthodontic appliances and to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist, contact our office today!