In this section, you will find care and use instruction for various orthodontic appliances. If you have questions that aren’t answered, please feel free to contact our office.
Quad Helix | Retention | Separators | Elastics | Rapid Maxillary Expander | Thumb Crib | Forsus
Quad Helix
A Quad Helix is for patients whose upper back teeth, whether it be on one side or both sides, are narrower than the lower teeth. This appliance is custom made for each patient. It gently helps widen the upper teeth so that they fit better with the lower teeth. The Quad Helix is most often used for young patients who do not have all their adult teeth.
The Quad Helix is checked and expanded approximately once every six weeks. After the expansion is complete, the Quad Helix will remain in the mouth until the expansion is stable.
Patients may feel mild discomfort for a couple of days. The tongue and cheeks have to make adjustments to the new appliance. Speaking and eating will require patience and time. Avoid hard foods and sticky foods. You will be able to clean your teeth and Quad Helix with your regular toothbrush.
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Retention
Removing braces signals the start of the retention and observation period of your orthodontic care. Please remember that this part of your orthodontic treatment is just as important as the active moment phase in determining the ultimate success of your treatment. Once the teeth have been moved into their desired positions a period of time is needed to stabilize the teeth so that the surrounding bone and soft tissues can conform to your new dental alignment. When braces are removed, it is a good time to review several important aspects of care.
How long are retainers worn?
During the retention period, appointments are scheduled with decreasing frequency. Our new clear retainers are worn at all times during the first week after braces are removed, except when eating, brushing, flossing or during active sports. After the first week, clear retainers are worn at night. Each person’s requirements are different and a longer period, a different schedule or a different retainer design may be necessary.
Will my teeth move back after treatment?
Orthodontists are aware that as retainers are discontinued, there may be minor changes in tooth position. The position and fit of teeth generally changes throughout your life, with or without orthodontic treatment. Our goal in the retention phase of your treatment is to limit these changes to the natural process of accommodation while maintaining both a good functional and aesthetic result.
Taking care of retainers
Keeping the retainer either in the mouth or in its case will avoid loss or breakage, which would lead to extra expense. Brushing the retainer with cool water and soaking it in dental cleanser or mouthwash periodically will keep it fresh. Never place your retainer in hot water, as it may become distorted and require replacement. If a brush is not available after eating, rinse off your retainer and place it back in your mouth or in its case. Beware of putting your retainer in a pocket, where it may become lost. Do not take your retainer out and put it in a napkin.
What if a retainer is lost or broken?
Phone the office right away for an appointment to replace or repair your retainer. Although there may be a charge for replacement or repair, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to protect the investment you have made in your orthodontic care.
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Separators
Step 1
Get two pieces of floss and the separator.
Step 2
Thread the two pieces of floss through the separator, and then wrap the floss strings around your first fingers.
Step 3
Pull fingers away from each other so the separator is almost flat and tension is created.
Step 4
Just like you would floss between your teeth, gently work the separator between your teeth. After you have pushed the separator between the teeth, pull the floss out, making sure that you can see half of the separator above the point of contact between the teeth. Sometimes it is necessary to hold your fingers over the separator when you pull the floss out.
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Elastics
Elastics move the teeth in a direction, which cannot be accomplished with braces alone.
Your teeth and jaws may be tender the first few days of wearing the elastics. This is normal and should begin to disappear within a week. If it persists longer, please call our office. Rinsing with hot salt water will help take away the tenderness.
It may seem hard for you to put on the elastics at first; however, it will become easier with practice.
Elastic wear must be constant to be effective – 24-hours a day/7 days a week.
You may remove the elastics only when eating your meals or brushing your teeth. Leave them in during snacking. Be sure to replace the elastics with new ones immediately following mealtime and brushing. Part-time wear does NOT move teeth, but it does cause them to constantly be sore.
After a while, elastics lose their strength. Change them at least once a day before bedtime. If one elastic breaks, replace both sides.
Carry extra elastics with you at all times. If you don’t have enough elastics to last until your next appointment, please stop by our office and pick more up or call us and we can send more to you. We don’t want you to run out.
Elastic wear is an important key to the speed of your treatment and the final results we can achieve. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. Good luck with your elastics!
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Rapid Maxillary Expander
Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) is for patients whose upper jaw is narrow. It gently widens the upper arch (palate) by stretching the center palatal connective suture. Once widened, the suture knits together. A parent or the patient adjusts the Rapid Maxillary Expander daily as instructed, until the palate has been widened enough. It is then left in place for about six months without further adjustment while new bone fills the center palatal suture or healing occurs.
Before the Rapid Maxillary Expander feels comfortable, the patient may sense some initial pressure and expect:
- To feel a tingling or itch under the expander
- To feel a tingling sensation across the bridge of the nose
- To feel pressure in the cheek area
- To see a space appear between your upper two front teeth
A special key is used to activate the Rapid Maxillary Expander:
- Loop the string on the key around your finger or wrist to prevent the possibility of it being swallowed
- Insert the key in its slot; it will not touch the roof of the mouth
- Push the key all the way from front to back
- Remove the key
- Turn as you have been instructed
Remember, when brushing:
- Use a Proxabrush and a regular toothbrush
- Brush as usual
- Use a water rinse to flush under the expander
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Thumb Crib
A Thumb Crib is used to help stop finger or thumb habits that move your teeth out of line. This appliance is a constant reminder to help stop a certain habit.
When wearing a Thumb Crib, you can expect some discomfort to your tongue. As you get used to your appliance, eating and speaking will become easier.
At each appointment in our office, we will check the Thumb Crib. We will also check the patients thumb or fingers for calluses.
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Forsus
This device is used for bite corrections when higher force is needed. It can occasionally be used instead of elastics if cooperation is not adequate. This device allows the patient to open and move the jaw freely.
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