Skip to content
  • (704) 246-5750
  • Payment Calculator
Free Consult
  • 504.833.4361
Free Consult
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Forrest
    • Technology
    • Reviews
  • Orthodontics
        • Braces
          • Types of Braces
          • Braces For Kids
          • Braces For Teens
          • Braces For Adults
          • Braces FAQ
          • Brushing & Flossing
          • Payment Calculator
        • Invisalign
          • Invisalign For Kids
          • Invisalign For Teens
          • Invisalign For Adults
          • Invisalign FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Other Treatments
          • TMJ – TMD
          • Surgical Orthodontics
          • Mouthguards
          • Herbst Appliance
          • Phase 1 Treatment
        • Resources
          • Types of Appliances
          • Technology
          • Orthodontic Retention
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Life With Braces
    • Common Orthodontic Issues
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • PPO Insurance Plans
  • Contact Us
  • Free Consult
  • Take Action
    Take Action
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Forrest
    • Technology
    • Reviews
  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Brushing & Flossing
      • Payment Calculator
    • Invisalign
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Other Treatments
      • TMJ – TMD
      • Surgical Orthodontics
      • Mouthguards
      • Herbst Appliance
      • Phase 1 Treatment
    • Resources
      • Types of Appliances
      • Technology
      • Orthodontic Retention
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Life With Braces
    • Common Orthodontic Issues
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • PPO Insurance Plans
  • Contact Us
  • (704) 246-5750
  • Payment Calculator
Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Google Reviews

Types of Appliances

Home » Resources » Types of Appliances

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™

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

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® Applaince

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

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.

Postioners

Positioners complete the final tooth movements in your orthodontic treatment. With your full cooperation, you should only need to wear the positioner appliance for four to eight weeks.

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

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.

Twin Block Appliance

The twin block appliance is unique from other functional appliances, as it involves two separate appliances (one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch) working together to create an advanced lower jaw position. This patient-friendly appliance is worn full time, including while eating, though it is removable for easy hygiene. It is also more comfortable than other jaw-correcting appliances, as it is made out of smooth acrylic and utilizes fewer wires. The result of using a twin block appliance is a broad, beautiful smile, proper jaw function, improved profile, and a stable and healthy temporomandibular joint.

pre_header_logo

CONTACT US

Free Orthodontic
Consultation

At Steele Creek Orthodontics you’ll receive excellent care, as well as a professional staff and doctor who meets your needs.

Woman Smiling and Pointing in Excitement
Free consult
pre_header_logo

OUR 5-STAR EXPERIENCE

Patient
Testimonials

We understand making the decision to commit to orthodontic treatment requires finding a practice you trust to deliver excellent care. So, don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what our patients say about their 5 star experience at Steele Creek Orthodontics.

Read more
Frenchy F.
I was struggling to find an orthodontist that would be under my insurance then I found steel creek orthodontist. The front desk people is amazing especially nyiesha she was very helpful.. dr Alex work me as far getting my daughter some braces...now we show up almost every month for follow up for only a few minutes in and out .No long waiting...I definitely recommend them. Very friendly place for kids!
Coffee T.
Wonderful people; Got a consultation for braces and they were incredibly straightforward and helpful with discussing payment options. I didn't feel pressured at all, I will be back for sure.
Michelle M.
I love how clean it is inside and everyone is amazing!!! I love how simple it is to schedule appointments for my children and myself.
Shyra G.
Love the office, one of the staff members names were lyric was a great assistant there. Would love to get her again!
Xxking O.
Biannce was very kind and was careful not to hurt me
Kimberly M.
Love this office. Very professional and nice staff.
Yuni M.
Un lugar espectacular. Lo recomiendo y muy amables
Teresa S.
The office is clean and the front staff are friendly and helpful. My two grandchildren come together to save on gas and time. They work hard to help in any way possible.We are sure we made the right choice.
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!
Erin S.
Me and lillyann love steele creek Orthodontist. We are all smiles.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the positive feedback. We are honored to serve each and every one of our patients!
Destiny B.
So excited about my new journey with braces. The Dr and staff were so friendly and inviting. I would give a 10/10 if I could
Response from the owner:We appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback on your experience. We work very hard every day to exceed our patients’ expectations!

Charlotte

Man and Woman Looking at Computer Together
pre_header_logo
OUR LOCATION

Come Visit Us

We look forward to welcoming you to our family and starting your path to healthy, straight teeth and a beautiful smile!

ADDRESS
  • Charlotte13527 Steelecroft Parkway Suite C
    Charlotte, NC 28278
PHONE
  • (704) 246-5750
Free Consult
QUICK LINKS
Main Menu
  • Our Practice
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us
CONTACT US
  • 13527 Steelecroft Pkwy. Suite C
    Charlotte, NC 28278
  • (704) 246-5750
CONNECT WITH US
Facebook-f Google
CONNECT WITH US
Facebook-f Google
© Copyright 2025 Steele Creek Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy
Marketing & Web Design by HIP Creative