Expansion / Habit Appliances
About Braces
Expansion Appliances
RPE (Fixed Palatal Expander)
A RPE is a fixed appliance used to widen the upper jaw in patients with a skeletal cross bite (jaws) in the back of their mouth. It works by turning the key in the jack-screw according to Dr. Carcara’s instructions, thereby applying pressure to the teeth to expand the jaw bone. An adult needs to turn the key to ensure proper activation. Upper expansion is generally completed within one month however the expansion must be retained, often with the same expansion appliance, for approximately 3-6 months. Speech may be affected and swallowing may be difficult for the first few days until the tongue adjusts to the appliance. Practice reading out loud to get used to the appliance.
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| Fixed Hyrax GAC © |
RPE Tool GAC © |
Quad Helix
A Quad Helix is a fixed expander for the upper jaw which, unlike the RPE, does not require turning to be activated. It can be used to widen the upper jaw in the front and/or the back as well as rotate the upper first molars. It is used to widen the upper arch to make room for crowded teeth or to correct a dental cross bite (teeth).
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| Quad Helix GAC© |
Schwartz Appliances: Lower GAC © |
Schwartz Appliance
The Schwartz appliance is an upper or lower removable appliance worn to expand your arches and teeth. Your treatment may include an upper appliance, lower appliance or both. For optimal results your Schwartz appliance should be worn 24 hours a day and be removed only for eating, brushing, playing contact sports and swimming. Turn the key according to Dr. Carcara’s instructions. An adult needs to turn the key to ensure proper activation.
Habit Appliances
Thumbguard
Habit Appliances: Thumb Sucking ©
Help your child break the habit of thumb or finger-sucking without distasteful nail polishes or expensive appliances. These rubber guards eliminate the pleasurable sensations of sucking, which can lead to permanent teeth and jaw deformations. It is recommended that thumb-sucking habits be extinguished before permanent teeth begin to erupt.
Tongue/Thumb Crib
A tongue/thumb crib can be cemented into the mouth to extinguish thumb/digit-sucking and tongue-thrust habits.
Tongue Trainers
Tongue Trainers may be used in severe tongue-thrusts to aid in closing an open bite.
Click here to view our Home Care video of Harmful Habits
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