Our Appliances
Separators
Separators (or "spacers") are little rubber doughnuts that may be placed between your teeth to push them apart so that orthodontic bands may be placed during your next appointment. The separators will be removed before we place the bands. Separators do not mix well with sticky foods, toothpicks, or floss.
Elastics
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed, and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they’re worn as prescribed.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander widens your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the bone and upper molars. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. After the desired expansion has been achieved, an expander stays in the mouth so that bone can rebuild, thereby solidifying the work you’ve done and also to prevent relapse when the appliance is removed.
Forsus™
The Forsus fatigue resistant device is a good alternative to rubber bands in more severe cases. It helps eliminate excessive overjet and improve the fit of teeth to achieve a good orthodontic case finish.
Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst® appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months.
Retainers
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.
Dr. Phelan is happy to be the proud owner of a small business, especially here in the Toledo area where supporting local is embraced wholeheartedly. She does her part by collaborating with local businesses whenever possible. Our tech support, accounting services, advertising campaign and multiple office vendors are all Toledo-based companies.
