Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances are specialised devices used to address various teeth and jaw alignment issues. Coming in a wide range of types, they include traditional braces and clear aligners. They also include a large range of other innovative devices. The devices known as appliances are often used as part of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan to ensure we can meet our patient's goals.

An RPE is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw or palate. They are most often used to address orthodontic issues such as a narrow upper jaw, crossbite and crowding of the upper teeth. Expansion is achieved by gradually increasing the mechanical pressure applied to the upper teeth. They are referred to as ‘rapid’ due to their ability to widen the upper jaw in weeks. An RPE will remain in place following expansion to allow for the stabilisation of the jawbones before removal.

A Quadhelix Expander is an orthodontic appliance used to address issues with the alignment of the upper teeth and jaws. A Quadhelix expander is designed to create space within the upper jaw or palate. Compared to an RPE, the Quad Helix Expander uses spiral-shaped wires to apply pressure to the rear upper teeth. Tension is adjusted by an orthodontist by bending the wires. Your orthodontist will determine if a rapid palatal expander or Quadhelix expander is more suitable for your needs.

A URA is a removable orthodontic appliance used to address various dental issues. They are typically made from a combination of steel and acrylic. The most common form of URA is a retainer. Depending on the individual case, a URA is often used for the following purposes:

1. Orthodontic retention: Retainers are often used following braces or clear aligners to maintain the new alignment of teeth and ensure results are maintained.

2. Minor tooth misalignment: URAs can also be used to gradually move teeth with the addition of springs into the plate. This is usually suitable if only one or two teeth require minor movement.

A Twin block or Bionator is an orthodontic appliance used for the treatment of misaligned teeth and overbites/ jaw misalignment. They are often used in cases where the upper front teeth are significantly more forward than the lower front teeth, which is usually the case in patients with a small lower jaw. The primary function of a Twin Block/ Bionator is the repositioning of the lower jaw to align the bite.

The Carriere Motion orthodontic appliance is used to treat bite issues where the front teeth are positioned further forward than the lower teeth. The appliance consists of a steel arm called a distaliser, an anchor and elastics connecting the two. The Carriere appliance treats misaligned rear teeth (posterior malocclusion) and is often used before braces or clear aligners. In some cases, it can be used in combination with upper and lower braces.

The PowerScope is a fixed orthodontic appliance used to treat misalignment of upper and lower jaws. Used in conjunction with braces, the PowerScope works to correct issues where the molars are positioned too far forward compared to the lower molars. As a fixed appliance, the PowerScope doesn’t rely on disciplined use to achieve the desired improvement in the alignment of teeth.