What is quad helix appliance?
A quad helix is an orthodontic appliance that is used for the upper teeth. It is attached to the molars by two bands and contains two or four active helix springs. The springs widen the arch of the mouth with the goal of creating additional room for crowded teeth or to correct a posterior cross-bite.
What is the purpose of a quad helix?
The purpose of the quad helix is to expand and rotate the upper molars. This appliance is not removable. tongue at first. This usually goes away after a few days, but the use of wax or wet cotton balls will help to minimize the discomfort while your mouth is adjusting.
Is a quad helix a passive or active appliance?
A quad helix has some similarities with a palatal arch. The main difference is that it is an active device used to expand the width of the upper dental arch.
What is a quad helix made of?
It is usually made from 38 mil stainless steel wire and is primarily indicated in mixed dentition, cleft patients and those that have performed the act of thumbsucking. A variety of this appliance is inserted into attachments that are welded to the bands.
How do you eat with a quad helix?
Whilst getting used to your plate it is a good idea to cut everything up into small bite-size pieces as chewing can be difficult at first. Avoid eating chewy lollies and foods while you are wearing the quad helix, such as: chewing gum, toffees, red skins, etc.
What is bluegrass appliance?
Used as an alternative to traditional habit breaking appliances, this fixed appliance utilizes a Teflon roller that spins on a support wire to distract the patient from thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
What can quad helix appliance be used for?
Along with the utility arch and sectional mechanics, the quad helix appliance has become an integral part of the Bioprogressive technique. The quad helix is mostly used to unlock malocclusions and to establish normal function and arch form by expanding the dental arches.
How is a quad helix used in orthodontic?
A quad helix is an orthodontic appliance that is used for the upper teeth. It is attached to the molars by two bands and contains two or four active helix springs. The springs widen the arch of the mouth with the goal of creating additional room for crowded teeth or to correct a posterior cross-bite.
What are the advantages of a quad helix expander?
One big advantage of a quad helix appliance is that it is “pre-loaded”. This means that it doesn’t require any manual adjustments by the parent or patient, which should give anyone a big sigh of relief. Before the appliance is placed in it is pre-expanded; upon insertion, the orthodontist will compress the appliance and place it on the teeth.
When to leave the Quad Helix in place?
If you use the Quad Helix on a teenager or adult patient, the effect will be mostly tipping of the posterior teeth but sometimes you need tipping. For retention of the transverse gain, the appliance is left in place for 4 to 6 months. If your bands have buccal tubes, you can continue with your treatment during the retention phase.