Quad helix
Orthodontic appliance for widening the upper teeth
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A quad helix (or quadhelix) is an orthodontic appliance for the upper teeth that is cemented in the mouth.[1] It is attached to the molars by 2 bands and has two or four active helix springs that widen the arch of the mouth to make room for crowded teeth, or correct a posterior cross-bite, where lower teeth are buccal (outer) than upper teeth.[2] It is usually made from 38 mil stainless steel wire and is primarily indicated in mixed dentition, cleft patients and those that have performed the act of thumbsucking. A variety of this appliance is inserted into attachments that are welded to the bands. In this way the orthodontist can adjust the appliance without removing the bands.[3]
| Quad helix | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Quadhelix |
| Specialty | Orthodontics |
| MeSH | D009968 |
The precursor to the quad-helix was the coffin spring. Similar devices known as tri-helices and bi-helices were later developed, with three and two helix springs, respectively.[4]
The expander works by gently pushing the teeth outwards to eventually widen the upper arch. A quad helix expander is usually given to those who have a narrow top jaw, a cross bite and/or crowded teeth.
