Orthodontic appliances are tools we use alongside braces or Invisalign to guide teeth and bite alignment in a precise way. Depending on your smile needs, an appliance may help create space, correct jaw positioning, support bite changes, or make certain tooth movements more efficient. At Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, we choose appliances thoughtfully and explain exactly what they do, how long you may need them, and how to care for them so treatment stays comfortable and on track.

Person placing elastics on clear aligners, demonstrating orthodontic treatment at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, LA.

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.

Orthodontic model showcasing Forsus appliance with braces, illustrating bite alignment and treatment options at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette.

FORSUS™

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

Headgear appliance for orthodontic treatment, used to correct overbites and underbites, featuring a padded support and metal components, associated with Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, LA.

HEADGEAR

Headgear is used to treat patients whose teeth are in an overbite, with the upper jaw forward of the lower jaw, or an underbite with the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw. Headgear gently “pulls” on your teeth to restrict further forward growth of your upper teeth and jaw.

Herbst® appliance demonstrating orthodontic treatment for reducing overbite, featuring metal components and rubber bands, relevant to Balhoff Orthodontics' approach in Lafayette, LA.

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 orthodontic appliance model, showcasing upper jaw expansion mechanism, relevant to Balhoff Orthodontics treatments for improving bite alignment and reducing overbites.

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.

Model of a mouth with Herbst® appliance demonstrating orthodontic treatment for overbite, relevant to Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette.

Motion Appliances

Motion appliances work by applying a constant or intermittent force to the teeth, which over time, causes the teeth to move into their proper position.

Colorful orthodontic retainer showcasing a combination of red, yellow, and blue components, used for maintaining teeth positions after treatment at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, LA.

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.

Separators or spacers placed between teeth for orthodontic treatment, illustrating the process of preparing for orthodontic bands at Balhoff Orthodontics in Lafayette, LA.

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.