Orthodontic Appliances
When you visit us for your complimentary consultation, one of our experienced orthodontists will examine your condition to determine the best treatment route for your individual case.
Your treatment plan will be 100% personalized to you and your needs, and may include any of the following orthodontic appliances to improve the efficiency of your treatment.
Palatal Expanders
There are many interesting devices used in orthodontic care. One of the lesser-known devices is the palatal expander. This device widens the upper palatal—or upper jaw—by placing pressure on the upper molars. With each adjustment, new pressure is placed, expanding the jaw more. Once the jaw is as wide as needed, the device will be worn in the same position for several months in order to prevent regression. Below are some instructions on when and how to adjust your palatal expander.
Adjusting or ‘Activating’ the Palatal Expander
It is impossible for those without proper training to determine if surgery is needed or not. An orthodontist can figure out what is needed after an examination. In most cases, other forms of treatment will be attempted first in order to avoid surgery. To find out if you need surgery, schedule your initial consultation.
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
See It In Action!
Forsus™ Appliance for Braces
The Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device is designed to promote growth in adolescents in order to treat overbites and alignment. This appliance uses special Forsus springs to push the upper jaw backward and the lower jaw forward, possibly eliminating the need for orthognathic surgery later in life.
Simple
Forsus is a Class II correction appliance. Unlike other appliances in this class, it does not press into the cheek or inhibit motion. This means you will look the same to people while in treatment and you will have a full range of motion. You should not see a need to change your speech or eating habits to accommodate Forsus.
Comfortable
Forsus is a Class II correction appliance. Unlike other appliances in this class, it does not press into the cheek or inhibit motion. This means you will look the same to people while in treatment and you will have a full range of motion. You should not see a need to change your speech or eating habits to accommodate Forsus.
Convenient
The appliance features an open coil spring so that it is easy to clean by brushing and food cannot become trapped. Brushing and flossing will remain the same aside from giving a little attention to the new appliance. The one thing we suggest is that hard and sticky foods are avoided in order to prevent damage from occurring to the appliance.
Effective
Because Forsus is designed to apply constant pressure to the teeth, you do not need to take any extra steps for it to work. At all times, it is moving the jaw and teeth into alignment. You can even wear it while also wearing braces, so you can double up on treatment and shorten your overall treatment time.
Have questions about orthodontic appliances?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re always happy to hear from you. We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, West Boca Raton, East Boca Raton, Margate, Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, North Ft. Lauderdale, or Pembroke Pines, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
