At Welmerink & Utter Orthodontics, we believe that every smile is unique, and so is every treatment journey. Our expert team, led by Dr. Adam Welmerink and Dr. Megan Utter, is dedicated to providing personalized, top-quality orthodontic care in a fun and welcoming environment. We work closely with each patient and their family to design custom treatment plans that ensure lasting results and confident smiles.
As part of our commitment to personalized care, we use a variety of advanced orthodontic appliances to help guide teeth into their correct positions. These appliances are vital in achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Here’s a look at some of the common in-office appliances we use and how they play a crucial role in your treatment.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
One of the most commonly used appliances in orthodontic treatment is elastics (or rubber bands). These small yet powerful tools are designed to improve the fit of your upper and lower teeth. By applying gentle pressure, elastics help align your bite and correct overbites, underbites, or crossbites. For elastics to work efficiently, it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions on wear time and placement. At Welmerink & Utter Orthodontics, we’ll guide you through every step of the process to ensure optimal results. Remember, consistency is key to making sure your elastics do their job!
Retainers
Once your teeth have been straightened, it’s time to maintain those results with a retainer. Retainers can be either removable or fixed, and they help hold your teeth in their new, correct positions. We will work with you to determine which type of retainer is best for your needs. Wearing your retainer as instructed is critical to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Whether you’re wearing a fixed retainer or a removable one, we’ll ensure that you know exactly how to care for it to keep your smile beautiful for years to come.
Separators (Spacers)
Before placing orthodontic bands, we may need to use separators, also known as spacers. These small rubber doughnuts are temporarily placed between your teeth to create space for the bands. While separators are in place, it’s important to avoid sticky foods, toothpicks, and floss in the affected areas, as these can dislodge the separators. Once the space is ready, we’ll remove the separators and place the bands, which play a key role in achieving your desired tooth alignment.
Herbst® Appliance
For children who need help with an overbite, the Herbst® appliance is a great solution. This fixed appliance encourages the lower jaw to grow forward, while gently moving the upper molars backward. Typically worn for 12-15 months, the Herbst® appliance works best in growing children and can make a significant difference in the bite. The team at Welmerink & Utter Orthodontics will guide you through every stage of treatment to ensure your child is comfortable and that their smile is progressing on schedule.
Forsus™ Device
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear or elastics, and it is used to correct excessive overbites in adolescents. This appliance promotes growth by encouraging the lower jaw to move forward, improving the fit of the teeth. The Forsus™ device is comfortable and easy to wear, making it an effective solution for many of our adolescent patients.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is an essential tool for widening the upper jaw. This appliance applies gentle pressure to the upper molars, gradually expanding the palate over time. The result is a more even and functional bite. Adjustments to the expander are made during visits, and once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance is worn for a few more months to ensure the expansion solidifies. If you or your child need to widen the upper jaw to create more space for the teeth, a palatal expander may be the solution.
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block appliance is unique because it uses two separate parts—one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch—that work together to advance the lower jaw. This functional appliance helps patients with a retrusive lower jaw by improving the alignment of the bite. It’s worn full time, even while eating, but it is removable for easy cleaning and maintenance. The Twin Block appliance is a great option for patients who need a non-invasive solution to adjust the jaw position.
At Welmerink & Utter Orthodontics, we are dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of care and treatment tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re wearing elastics, a retainer, or another appliance, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Our goal is not just to create a beautiful smile but to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you achieve the confident smile you’ve always dreamed of!
