Forsus Appliance in Orthodontics
There are several different types of orthodontic appliances used to correct Class II malocclusion. The Forsus appliance is one of those appliances. A Forsus appliance is a fixed appliance that is attached to the upper and lower teeth. It works by pushing the top teeth back and the bottom teeth forward. Typically, it is placed about 6 months into treatment time. It also stays in the mouth for 6 to 9 months, depending on the severity of the bite.
Advantages:
Forsus are used to replace a headgear or elastics. The benefit for patients is that there is no need for a patient to remember to wear their headgear or remembering to replace elastics 3 to 4 times a day. In addition, it is not as visible or as bulky as a headgear. For many patients, Forsus typically works faster. Most importantly, the patients lack of compliance with other methods used to correct Class II malocclusion is not an issue!
Disadvantages:
On occasion the spring rod may come out, leaving the spring rod loosely hanging from the arch wire. Instructions are given to the patient to fix this issue by opening their mouth and putting the rod back into the tube. If for some reason this cannot be done, the patient should be instructed to call their orthodontist immediately. Also, problems like biting the rod may cause the teeth to chip. The first few days after placement, it might be difficult to eat and it will be a little hard to keep clean. Just like anything else associated with braces, the patient will get used to the Forsus appliance after a few days.
Placement:
The Forsus appliance are spring coil rods that are permanently fixed to the patients braces. On each side of the mouth the metal spring is attached to the first upper molar. It is then connected to the lower arch wire between the canines and first bicuspids. It trains the lower jaw to move forward, while pushing the upper teeth back. Some adjusting might be needed at the follow up appointments. The orthodontist assistant will be the one placing the appliance after the orthodontist determines size and pressure strength just as they would with elastics. The orthodontist will also determine at what point in treatment time the patient will be ready for Forsus. The patient is required to be in a rigid (usually stainless steel rectangular wire. Instruments used are a weingart or bird-beak with a basic set-up.
This is one of a few appliances that an orthodontist chooses to use to correct a
Class II malocclusion. Every doctor and office is different and it’s important to get familiar with every orthodontic appliance. By learning what appliance is being used and how they are used will make you a great asset to any orthodontic team.
Written by: Norma Abrica
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