Orthodontic Appliances
Personalized Care in Jacksonville Beach & Nocatee/Ponte Vedra
Every smile has different needs, and sometimes the right plan includes an appliance to create space, improve a bite, or guide jaw development.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, we’ll explain each recommendation and help you feel comfortable with every step.
What do orthodontic appliances do?
Orthodontic appliances help move teeth, hold space for permanent teeth, or address the way the jaws fit together. Depending on your needs, an appliance may be used before or alongside braces or clear aligners.
Our ABO-Board Certified orthodontists, Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz, take the time to understand your smile and explain how each part of your treatment plan supports your results.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Forsus™ Fatigue-Resistant Device
The Forsus appliance works with braces to help correct a Class II bite, where the upper teeth sit too far forward compared with the lower teeth. Small spring components connect the upper and lower braces and apply continuous pressure to improve how the teeth meet.
Because Forsus stays in place, you won’t need to remember to put it in or make daily adjustments. We’ll show you how to keep it clean and what to expect while you get used to it.
Traditional Palatal Expander
A palatal expander widens a narrow upper jaw, helping create room for permanent teeth and correct certain crossbites, where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
Traditional expansion is commonly recommended for growing children, when the upper jaw is still growing and is more responsive to treatment.
This appliance stays in place throughout treatment and attaches to the upper back teeth and has a small center screw that is turned with a special key. If your child needs an expander, we’ll show you how to turn the screw and explain exactly how often to do it.
Invisalign® Palatal Expander
The Invisalign Palatal Expander uses a series of custom, 3D-printed removable appliances to gradually widen the upper jaw. Your child progresses through appliances that are slightly wider at each step, gradually creating more space without a screw for you to turn at home.
Unlike a traditional fixed expander, it can be removed for cleaning. Our doctors will determine whether it’s appropriate for your child and explain when to wear it, when to change appliances, and how to care for it.
TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices)
Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are small screws placed temporarily in the jawbone to provide a stable point of support for moving teeth. They help our doctors move selected teeth while limiting unwanted movement of other teeth.
TADs may be recommended when a treatment plan needs additional control beyond what braces or aligners can provide alone. They are removed once they’re no longer needed to support tooth movement.
Nance Appliance
A Nance appliance helps hold the upper back teeth in position and preserve space for developing permanent teeth. It can also help keep those back teeth steady while our doctors move other teeth into position.
This fixed appliance typically includes metal bands around the upper molars (back teeth), connecting wires, and a small acrylic pad that rests against the roof of the mouth. We’ll show your child how to clean around the bands, wires, and pad.
Reverse-Pull Headgear (Orthodontic Facemask)
Reverse-pull headgear helps bring the upper jaw and teeth forward in growing children with certain underbites. Also called a protraction facemask, it rests against the forehead and chin and connects to an appliance inside the mouth with elastics.
Because this treatment works with your child’s growth, starting at the right stage and following the recommended wear schedule are important. Our doctors will explain why it’s recommended, how it should fit, and the daily wear schedule for your child.
Lower Lingual Arch (Space Maintainer)
A lower lingual arch helps preserve space along the lower row of teeth as baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth come in. By helping keep the lower molars from drifting forward, it protects room that may be needed for developing teeth.
This fixed appliance uses bands around the lower molars connected by a wire along the inside of the lower teeth. Our team will explain how to brush around it and keep the surrounding teeth and gums clean.
Pendulum Appliance
A pendulum appliance moves the upper molars toward the back of the mouth to create space and help improve how the upper and lower back teeth fit together. It may be recommended when the upper back teeth need to move before other teeth can be aligned.
The appliance sits inside the mouth and typically includes an acrylic pad near the roof of the mouth, supporting attachments, and springs that apply pressure to the molars. Our doctors monitor and adjust it throughout treatment.
FAQs About Orthodontic Appliances
Will I need an appliance with braces or clear aligners?
Not everyone needs an additional appliance. We’ll recommend one only when it serves a specific purpose in your treatment, and we’ll explain that purpose before getting started.
How long will I wear an orthodontic appliance?
That depends on the appliance, its purpose, and your response to treatment. Some appliances actively move teeth or widen the jaw; others stay in place longer to hold space or help keep teeth or the jaw in their corrected position. We’ll review your expected timeline and check your progress.
What if an appliance feels loose or uncomfortable?
Some pressure or changes in speech and eating can happen as you adjust. If an appliance becomes loose, breaks, or causes persistent discomfort, contact our team for guidance rather than trying to repair or adjust it yourself.
What can I expect when I start wearing an appliance?
Before you get started, our doctors will explain what your appliance does, how it should feel, and how to care for it.
Depending on the appliance, you may notice mild pressure, extra saliva, or temporary changes in speech or eating as you adjust. We’ll explain what’s expected for your specific appliance and when to call us, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Can adults use orthodontic appliances?
Yes. Certain appliances, including TADs, can help support tooth movement in adults. Others, such as reverse-pull headgear, are mainly used while the jaws are still growing.
Because adult jaws have finished growing, treatments such as palatal expansion may require a different approach. Our doctors will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw structure and explain which options are appropriate for you.
Can I eat normally, and how do I keep my appliance clean?
Your instructions will depend on whether your appliance stays in place or is removable. Fixed appliances may require avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage them, along with extra attention to brushing around wires and bands.
For removable appliances, we’ll explain when to take them out and how to clean and store them. Our team will demonstrate the steps and answer questions before you head home.
How much do orthodontic appliances cost?
The cost depends on the appliance and how it fits into your overall treatment plan. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll review the recommended care, what your treatment fee includes, and your estimated insurance benefits.
We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing and will work with you to create a payment plan that meets your needs.
Let’s Create a Smile You’ll Feel Great About
Book your complimentary consultation with our orthodontic office in Jacksonville Beach or Nocatee in Ponte Vedra.