Quad Helix Appliance

 Quad Helix Appliance

A quad helix is an orthodontic appliance that is used for the upper teeth. It is attached to the molars by two bands and contains two or four active helix springs. The springs widen the arch of the mouth with the goal of creating additional room for crowded teeth or to correct a posterior cross-bite.It works by slowly pushing the teeth out which eventually widens the upper arch. A quad helix expander is typically used for patients who have a narrow top jaw, a cross bite and/or crowded teeth.

The quad helix can be constructed as a fixed or a removable appliance. It works by widening the arch form with the assistance of helixes which are bent at the four corners of the appliance and lingual wires. The quad helix appliances are bent from straight wire allows customization of the vault while maintaining the integrity of the wire. The device is commonly used for the following situations: cross bites that need expansion, mild expansion for mixed dentition cases, Class III cases which need expansion, Class II cases and patients with a cleft palate. A tongue crib and facemask hooks can also be incorporated into the design, if needed.