Definition and Function of Quad Helix
- Quad helix is an orthodontic appliance for the upper teeth.
- It is cemented in the mouth and attached to molars with bands.
- Its main function is to widen the arch of the mouth and correct posterior cross-bite.
Materials and Indications
- Quad helix is made from 38 mil stainless steel wire.
- It is primarily indicated in mixed dentition, cleft patients, and thumb-suckers.
- There is a variety of quad helix with attachments welded to bands for adjustment.
- It is used for narrow top jaw, cross bite, and crowded teeth.
- The appliance expands the upper arch by pushing teeth outwards.
Evolution of Quad Helix
- The precursor to quad helix was the coffin spring.
- Later developments included tri-helices and bi-helices.
- Quad helix has two or four active helix springs.
- It is designed to widen the arch more effectively than previous designs and provide better treatment outcomes.
References
- Mitchell, Laura. 'An Introduction to Orthodontics'. Oxford University Press.
- Singh, Gurkeerat. 'Textbook of Orthodontics' (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Publishers.
- Charles B. Bolton
- Holly Broadbent Sr.
- Allan G. Brodie
Categories and Expansion
- Orthodontic appliances
- Dental equipment
- Dentistry stubs
- Dentistry article is a stub
- Wikipedia page can be expanded to provide more information
A quad helix (or quadhelix) is an orthodontic appliance for the upper teeth that is cemented in the mouth. 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. 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.
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.
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.
