Types of Appliances To successfully complete the orthodontic
treatment plan, patients must work together with the
orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their
corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the
elastics (rubber bands), headgear, or other appliances as
prescribed. The following paragraphs describe the types of
appliances that may be used during your treatment. Elastics
(Rubber Bands) Wearing elastics (rubber bands) improves the fit
of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed
because the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they are
worn as prescribed. Forgetting or neglecting to wear your rubber
bands, even for one day, will allow the teeth to drift back to
their previous positions. This will extend your treatment time
significantly. The Forsus is designed to work like permanent
rubber bands. It is used to improve the relationship between
upper and lower teeth by encouraging the lower jaw forward and
the upper molars backward. Headgear is used to tr