Some of the Appliances Commonly Used in Our Office
Hyrax (also called "rapid palatal expander" or RPE)
One of the most common orthodontic problems is crossbite of the posterior teeth, which is a condition where the upper teeth bite to the inside edge of the lower teeth. This usually indicates a narrow maxilla (upper jaw). Posterior crossbite is easily corrected with an expander. A hyrax expander uses a horizontal screw which is activated at home to put pressure on the maxillary growth suture which opens slowly over time. When enough expansion has occurred and the crossbite is corrected, the appliance stays in place for a few more months allowing the maxillary bone to regenerate.
Quad Helix
A quad helix is a type of expander that uses four circular springs to put pressure on the upper posterior teeth to increase upper arch width. It is adjusted in the office and does not require activation at home.
Cervical Pull Headgear
Headgear is an extra-oral appliance that puts pressure on the upper teeth to correct overjet. In our office headgear is only worn at night, an hour or two before bedtime and during sleep hours, NEVER to school or social activities. If it is worn consistently, headgear treatment is usually completed in just a few months.
Protraction Headgear
Protraction headgear is an extra-oral appliance that uses elastics to help pull the upper jaw forward, correcting anterior crossbite or underbite. In our office protraction headgear is only worn at night, an hour or two before bedtime and during sleep hours, NEVER to school or social activities. If it is worn consistently, headgear treatment is usually completed in just a few months.
Habit Appliance
Habit appliances can effectively correct problems like anterior tongue posture during swallowing and thumb or finger sucking that negatively affect the growth of the face and jaws and the position of the teeth. Habit appliance therapy helps the patient retrain their tongue posture or eliminate a thumb or finger habit, usually in less than 12 months.
Herbst Appliance
Habit appliances can effectively correct problems like anterior tongue posture during swallowing and thumb or finger sucking that negatively affect the growth of the face and jaws and the position of the teeth. Habit appliance therapy helps the patient retrain their tongue posture or eliminate a thumb or finger habit, usually in less than 12 months.
Forsus Appliance
A Forsus appliance is a spring jig that is attached to braces that have been in place for about six months. It is used to put pressure on the teeth, pushing the upper teeth back to correct overjet.