Quad Helix RMO article 2012 copy 3
The Quad-Helix appliance is superior to a removable expansion plate in expansion amount, stability, rate and extent of movements with less treatment time.
The Quad-Helix appliance proves effective for increasing widths of intermolar, intercanine, and dentoalveolar regions and for molar derotation. Maxillary arch reshaping is superbly accomplished by gradual and comfortable activations over 6-12 months. The Quad-Helix appliance is superior to a removable expansion plate in expansion amount, stability, rate and extent of movements with less treatment time. Unlocking the malocclusion (Ricketts, Bench, Gugino, Hilgers, Sellke, Grummons) typically begins with a Quad.
The Quad-Helix appliance has versatility to reshape arches, correct posterior arch width de ciencies and correct anterior crossbite when auxiliary wires are extended behind the incisor(s). Crossbite corrections are further helped with composite onlay occlusal buildups (turbos) in the lower posterior dentition when indicated.
In aviation, the three planes (pitch, yaw and roll) are well understood. Similarly, the maxillary rst molars position in 3 planes can be in uenced favorably and differentially by strategic and accurate Quad-Helix activations. Molars can derotate the same on each side, or more on one side than the other. Molars can be extruded, held or intruded. Molars can be expanded on one or both sides and differentially, if prescribed.
The pre-formed Quad-Helix (Rocky Mountain orthodontics – Ricketts) when properly activated provides physiologic forces toward treatment objectives of ef cient orthodontic treatment. Maxillary transverse changes with use of the Quad- Helix appliance are predictable and impressive. Dental tipping is minimized by lighter and gradual activations.