Types of Appliances

elastics (rubber bands)

Elastics (Rubber Bands)

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.

forsus

Forsus™

The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is an alternative to headgear which promotes growth in adolescents, helping to eliminate excessive overbites, improve the fit of teeth, and possibly prevent the need for jaw surgery.

herbst appliance

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.

palatal expander

Palatal Expander

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

retainers

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.

separator

Separators or Spacers

Separators 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.

What Our Patients are Saying

“From day one, Dr. Long and his staff have made me and my kids feel like family. My family and I have a very busy schedule, but the hour and a half commute to Dr. Long’s office is well worth it for me. We are always greeted with a smile. Dr. Long and his staff are always positive, never discouraging, and implemented the right game plan for both of my children. It’s been such a pleasure, and I know after it’s all said and done, I have friends for life.”

~ Vince S.

“My family has been coming to Dr Long’s office for over a year now. With two daughters and myself as patients with Dr Long, we make quite a few trips to the office. The staff are always pleasant and friendly, and the work they do is outstanding!! The difference they have made in the lives of my kids and myself is amazing. We are much more self confident now that they have given us beautiful smiles. I would and have recommended Dr Long’s office to anyone and everyone!!!!”

~ Mary Y.

“Professionalism and kindness - two important factors when searching for an office to treat my children and Dr. Long's office has it. Since the very first consultation, we have felt very welcome. Dr. Long and his staff has always greeted us with smiles and takes the time to answer all our questions.”

~ Abby P.