The Functional Regulator or FR

The FR is a commonly used removable appliance in our office because of it's remarkable success in correcting orthopedic problems.  Because Dr. Diers has his own lab at our Fairfield location, he is able to make every appliance for each individual's prescription.  The FR is used to widen the jaw to make room for all the teeth to fit into a beautiful broad smile, and to correct the underbite or overbite.  For example, the picture above shows the FR holding the lower jaw in a more forward position, while inhibiting the upper jaw in order to correct an overbite; while at the same time, widening the arches.  The appliances can be made in a variety of colors for our patients, including glow-in-the-dark!  Although there is a period of adjustment after insertion, there is no pain or soreness from the FR unless the fit of the appliance needs adjusting.  Most patients should expect a few adjustment appointments after the initial insertion.

    The Mara        

The mara appliance is a permanent or cemented appliance that is used for the correction of overbites.  Oftentimes, the mara is made by our lab with a palatal or sutural expander if the patient has narrow arches.  The mara has "elbows" on both sides (as seen in the above picture) that are used to bring the lower jaw into a more forward position.  This process is done in increments known as "advancements" every 2-4 months.  The sutural expansion is used to widen the archform and is controlled by "cranking" or turning the appliance with a key, by the patient or a parent.  There is an adjustment period of about 1-2 weeks after placement of the mara and patients should expect a period of soreness in the cheeks and teeth.

     The Sutural (Palatal) Expander

The Sutural Expansion is a permanent or cemented appliance that is used to widen the arches.  It is "cranked" or turned with a key by the patient or parent at home.  Although the cranking of the appliance is generally a painless task, there is typically a short adjustment period after the Expansion is placed.  Most patients should expect an adjustment period of about 1 week, in which they may experience soreness in their teeth and the surrounding tissue.

       Bite Splints  

TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder is one of Dr. Diers' specialties for over 30 years now.  Many patients come into our office in severe pain, and find relief with bite splint therapy.  We start by taking tomograms, which are special x-rays that show the condyle of the jaw joint; we are able to do this at our Fairfield Office with our tomogram machine, saving you a trip to the hospital for the x-rays.  After diagnosis, our lab will make bite splints for your insert visit.  At this visit, Dr. Diers will add acrylic to your splints, and then reposition your jaw into it's proper position.  The splints are then trimmed and polished.  Most patients will have two splints, an upper and a lower.  Although the splints themselves are not painful, there is an adjustment period in which wearing the splints will cause discomfort in varying degrees after the initial insert.  This usually subsides after 1-2 weeks.

Removable Herbst (Sleep Appliance)     

The removable herbst is designed to reposition the lower jaw and bring the tongue forward and un-cork the airway.  A major advantage of using an intraoral appliance is that it can be used to unlock the airway throughout the day and night.

 The removable herbst is designed to reposition the tongue, which results in a greater oxygen intake due to a more open airway.  

     Thumb Crib

The thumb crib appliance is used for patients with a thumb, or finger sucking habit.  Oftentimes, these habits can seriously harm the shape and formation of the archform, especially in growing children.  This appliance is cemented onto two teeth with bands (as shown in the above picture).  The prongs on the thumb crib inhibit the placement of the thumb or fingers into the mouth.  They sit just behind the front teeth, and can be easily adjusted before and after placement according to the needs and comfort of the patient.  Most patients have little to no discomfort after placement.

     Invisalign

Invisalign is a series of aligners, or trays custom designed for each patient used to straighten teeth without braces.  Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing; and you can still eat and drink what you want.  Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth; and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.  Because there is a limit to the amount of correction that invisalign can do, Dr. Diers will discuss with you if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?

• Wear each set of Aligners for about two weeks.
•  Remove only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
•  Your teeth will move gradually each week.
•  Visit us every 2 months 
•  Total treatment time averages 12-18 months.
•  Average number of Aligners is between 18 and 30.

     Hawley Spring or Removable Retainer

Although most patients think of retainers as something that are just used after treatment is finished, there are some patients who come to us with very minor needs.  Maybe you have had braces before and a few teeth have moved out of alignment.  This retainer has the ability to move teeth that are mild to moderately out of alignment.  It does not correct the bite or change the jaw position.  For patients who have finished treatment and are unable to wear, or do not wish to wear a fixed retainer, Dr. Diers may prescribe this retainer if there are teeth in need of movement.  There is an adjustment period of a few days and most patients experience no pain with a Hawley Spring Retainer.

       Invisible Retainer

The Invisible Retainer is a removable retainer that is most often used when patients finish treatment.  It is an alternative to our fixed retainer for patients that do not want anything glued in their mouth.  As you can see in the picture, the retainer is virtually invisible.  It is a very comfortable retainer and there is usually no adjustment period. 

     The Bonded or Fixed Retainer

The bonded retainer is the most commonly used retainer in our office.  Dr. Diers has found over the past 30+ years that most patients are more successful with retainers that are glued in!  We glue both upper and lower retainers to the front six teeth with a small, braided wire.  As long as patients keep the area clean by properly brushing and flossing, these retainers may be kept in place forever.  However, because they are glued, patients must expect that there will be some breakage and wearing of the glue over time.  Therefore, these retainers do require some maintainance.  The frequency of the breakage differs vastly from patient to patient depending on each person's tooth enamel (some enamel is more porous allowing the glue to adhere better with the teeth). Our office covers these retainers of all repair charges for six months after placement.  If breakage or cleaning becomes a problem, you will always have the option of switching to a removable retainer. 

       The Tooth Positioner

The tooth positioner is an appliance used by Dr. Diers as added insurance of maintaining your beautiful result after your braces are removed.  Although it is optional, the doctor strongly encourages our patients to get a tooth positioner.  There is no additional cost for this appliance, however, there is a little extra effort required by you!  If you choose to get this appliance, you will wear it after your braces come off, full-time for one week, then gradually less and less.  This is not a retainer!  This is in addition to your retainers, and is used to finalize the position of the teeth and to maintain the bite.  Although retainers are used to keep the teeth straight, they are unable to hold the bite.  Therefore, Dr. Diers gives his patients the extra edge in final retention and maintainance by offering the tooth positioner. 

To hear all of the information regarding the Tooth Positioner, watch the video on YouTube. Just click on the link below.

**If you are interested in more in depth information on any of the above appliances, please contact our office and we will gladly send you the requested materials.