Biobloc Stage 1

The 3D screw is fitted allowing both transverse and sagittal expansion. Recommended for symmetric expansion of maxillary arch and protrusion of anteriors. Two activation points allow 3mm protrusive and 6mm bilateral expansion to occur separately. This appliance is generally used to create more space when the relationship between the two maxillaries is inadequate . A labial arch wire can be added to increase anchorage of the appliance and to prevent anterior teeth from tipping.

Extraoral accessories, such as the reverse head gear or face mask, can be added to the appliance to increase its efficiency.

Fabrication requirements 

- Upper stone model
- Lower stone model
- Wax bite with 2mm intermolar space

Sagittal Appliance

The upper Schwarz is a slow expansion appliance without any occlusal pads, used to correct the maxillary transverse and to stimulate buccal tipping of the lower molars. The Schwarz also helps in creating space to align incisors and reduce crowding. Depending on the Practitioners recommendations the expansion is obtained by activating a screw at a rate of approximately 0.025mm once a week. 

Clinical practitioners should closely monitor the relationship between maxillaries. Expansion of the upper lingual cuspids must not cause any buccal crossbite with the lower buccal cuspids but rather exert similar movement on them. The tipping movement of lower molars also has to be monitored. Wearing a lower Schwarz or adding acrylic extensions to the appliance ensures best treatment results. 

Fabrication requirements 

- Upper stone model

- Lower stone model

- Wax bite in C.O

The Spring Aligner is a retainer that can be used to provide minor corrections to relapsed incisors. For this type of correction, the appliance is fabricated from a stone model were the incisors are separated, then replaced in their desired positions. Therefore, when patients wear their tooth aligner, the acrylic exerts pressure on the teeth, stimulating them to resume their proper positions. crowding to be corrected must be minor.

Note, this appliance can also be used by patients who have never had orthodontic treatment. However, these patients are not as mobile as those who have already been treated, therefor correction movements may be more difficult to obtain and can be more painful for the patient.

When dental corrections are major retention must be increased, acrylic lingual extensions fitted with various clasps added to the appliance. Furthermore, in order to make treatment less painful, the lingual aspect of the appliance can be made more flexible with added springs. 

Fabrication requirements 

- Upper stone model

- Lower stone model

- Wax bite in C.O

Fan-like expansion appliances are recommended for patients whose arches point somewhat forward. This irregularity is corrected by expanding the anterior segments only using a special screw fitted with a hinge; inverting the hinge provides expansion of the posterior segments. 

Fabrication requirements 

- Upper stone model

- Lower stone model

- Wax bite with 2mm intermolar space

The ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) is an expansion appliance using a continuous light force, wires used in this appliance being very light using a consistent light force over a longer period of time, for the transversal development of the lower and upper arch. 

Once installed, this appliance requires fewer office visits and controled examinations. 

The ALF shown here allows for the expansion of the upper jawbone. Usually installed to be removable, the appliance can be removed for assessment of its activation.