Role of Quad Helix Expander in Teeth Straightening Treatments
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
Quad Helix is a kind of palate expander and it is used to widen out the upper jaw. Orthodontists choose this appliance to correct crossbite and narrow top jaw. This apparatus is made with a 38 ml stainless steel having thickness of around 0.9 mm. Besides this, a quad helix appliance consists of 4 spirals welded with 2 arms for attachments so that the expander does not need manual adjustments for installation.
It is used in addressing crookedness in adult teeth because milk teeth cannot provide the perfect anchorage for quad helix appliances. In this blog post, our orthodontists have discussed various things regarding this. Keep reading.
When do orthodontists recommend quad helix?
In general, crossbite occurs when the lower arch appears protruded due to the narrow upper arch. Hence widening the upper arch is pivotal to correcting crookedness. The palate expanders are essential in such cases. The quad helix expanders are prescribed if an orthodontist detects any of the following problems:
- Narrow upper arch
- Unilateral or Bilateral crossbite
- Rotated molars in the upper arch
- The anterior and lateral sectors in the upper arch appear narrower than the posterior sector
How do the quad helix expanders fix orthodontic problems?
Similar to other orthodontic appliances, the quad helix expanders also apply forces for expanding the upper jaw slowly. Once it is placed in the upper arch, the expander is activated in 2 methods: with 3-prolonged pliers installed with the appliance or with an arch form.
The quad helix appliances are available as removable and fixed. When the expander is cemented to the molars for installation, the four active springs tend to exert pressure thusly the upper jaw is expanded. It creates room for the crowded teeth so that the upper teeth are stimulated.
It creates mild discomforts due to teeth shifting by amplifying the arch. Don’t worry about it.
What can you expect after wearing quad helix appliances?
Like teeth braces and other dental appliances, the palate expander appliance also takes some time for getting used to. Until then, the wearers would feel some mild discomforts in their mouths. The appliance generally becomes familiar with the oral tissues within 1 week or two.
The following difficulties occur in the initial days of wearing quad helix expanders:
- Irritations and swelling in the tongue
- Difficulties in swallowing
- Slight lisp while talking
- Mild pain in teeth
Home remedies like salt water rinse will reduce the pain. If the pain, soreness, and inflammation exist for a long time or becomes unbearable, consult your Orthodontist.
Bottom line
Teeth straightening treatments often need palate expansion to allocate room for the teeth. When there is a need for widening the upper arch or need solution to address crossbite, the quad helix expanders are prescribed. On average, the palate expander treatment takes 3 to 6 months.
The appliance requires proper maintenance as well as other teeth straightening appliances. The wearer should clean it twice a day and keep the bands clean. Likewise, avoid eating hard, sticky and chewy foods while wearing the expanders.
