Is your child or teen unhappy because of an overbite but loathes the idea of headgear? The Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device may offer an alternative. This device consists of small rods with coil springs attached to the lower and upper teeth. Forsus appliances work to correct an overbite with no external pieces.
Forsus appliances are available at Gentle Care Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Peekskill and the surrounding area. Forsus is a discreet and low-maintenance alternative to headgear or rubber bands. Call us at (914) 930-4465 to make an appointment.
Forsus is an active appliance a patient wears along with braces. Active appliances in orthodontics use force to move teeth to the desired position. While braces work to straighten teeth, Forsus pushes the top teeth back and the bottom teeth forward to correct a patient’s bite.
Active appliances can be either fixed in place (like Forsus) or removable. Other examples of active appliances include:
After active orthodontic treatment is complete, teeth are not yet settled into position and shift over time. Teeth tend to gravitate to their original position. For this reason, people wear retainers after treatment with braces is complete. A retainer is considered a passive appliance.
The purpose of passive appliances is not to actively move teeth but keep them in their new position. Space maintainers are another example of a passive appliance. These are often used on children to maintain space in the mouth for a permanent tooth to erupt. Passive appliances are typically removable but can be fixed as well.
Forsus is one of the most commonly used functional appliances in orthodontics. Functional appliances use muscle action and jaw movement to place selective pressure on the teeth and jaws. They focus on repositioning or reshaping the upper or lower jaw rather than straightening teeth.
Functional devices are usually removable but can be fixed. Other examples of common functional appliances include headgear and palatal expanders. Functional appliances also treat sleep apnea, migraines, and TMJ pain.
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An overbite occurs when the top teeth protrude significantly beyond the bottom teeth. It can give someone a buck-toothed appearance. Forsus appliances focus mainly on fixing excessive overbites in children and adolescents. These appliances are most effective in patients between the age of 10 and 16 when the jaw is still developing.
Treatment of overbites often involves headgear or the use of elastic bands. The trouble with these two methods is that both require a high-level of patient compliance. If patients fail to wear these removable appliances for the recommended amount of time, treatment can be ineffective. Forsus is not removable, so treatment remains constant. Other benefits to wearing Forsus include:
Q. What are active appliances?
Q. What is a passive appliance?
Q. What is a functional appliance?
Forsus appliances are associated with minimal discomfort, but it can take a week or two for someone to adjust to them. Patients should brush after every meal, taking special care when cleaning around the springs.
It is important to be careful when eating and avoid hard or sticky foods. These appliances are very durable, but patients should call their dental healthcare professional right away if they break. As with any orthodontic treatment, regular oral checkups are essential to ensure the appliance is in good working order.
Q. When should someone start wearing Forsus?
A. Forsus appliances are most successful when used on children and teens from age 10 to 16. The appliance is most effective when used while the jaw is still growing. Treatment with Forsus typically starts after a child or teen has been wearing braces for six months to a year.
Q. How long do Forsus appliances take to correct an overbite?
A. Treatment times can vary depending on the severity of the overbite. The average treatment time can range anywhere from three to eight months. Our team will monitor progress closely to avoid any complications.
Q. How should someone wearing Forsus clean their teeth?
A. One should brush after eating, in the morning, and before going to bed. Be sure to scrub the Forsus springs as well. Tools such as interdental brushes and floss threaders can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
Q. Is wearing Forsus painful?
A. There is little pain reported with these devices. There may be some tightness and pressure when opening and closing the mouth as one adjusts to the Forsus. The appliance can sometimes irritate the cheeks, but orthodontic wax can usually remedy this. Discomfort tends to subside about two weeks after placement.
Q. What if the Forsus appliance breaks?
A. Though Forces appliances are very durable, they can still break. If the device becomes damaged or loose, our team can fix it. Give us a call right away for instructions.
Today, dental professionals in Peekskill can correct overbites without the cumbersome headgear of the past. Our team can help. Call us today at 914-930-4465 to learn more about Forsus appliances or to schedule an appointment.
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