This appliance is used to widen the upper jaw. It consists of bands placed on your back molar teeth connected by a wire that is bent like a large spring. It gently expands your upper teeth over a period of weeks to assist us in correcting your bite.
You may notice a gap opening between your two front teeth, this means the appliance is working correctly and should not be of concern. It should disappear over the next few weeks.
There will be little or no discomfort associated with this process apart from a few days of mild discomfort when the appliance is first fitted. A soft diet for the first week will reduce any discomfort you might experience. A mild pain reliever like Panadol or Nurofen can be taken if required.
Initially, your speech may be affected by the appliance, but will return to normal quite quickly.
It is really important that you keep your Quadhelix very clean. Food debris can be trapped quite easily under the appliance and should be removed after every meal. We recommend you brush with a toothbrush after every meal. If you can’t brush you should at least rinse your mouth vigorously with water after eating.
Please avoid sticky or hard foods such as chewing gum, toffee, nougat, caramel, and muesli bars as they can dislodge the appliance causing it to come loose.
If you think that there is a problem with your Quadhelix, please contact us to make an appointment so that we can assist you.
Be sure that you keep your scheduled appointments so that we can supervise your progress and ensure that your treatment proceeds uneventfully.
