Correcting Overbites with Forsus Springs

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - May 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Vancouver, British Columbia - In the past, patients with Class II malocclusions have had to endure the use of unsightly headgear to correct their overbites. But with the invention of Forsus springs, teen patients can say goodbye to the annoying headgear and be on the path to a better smile in a more convenient way.

"Overbites occur when the upper teeth extend over the lower teeth," says Dr. Aly Kanani, a Vancouver Invisalign (http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/invisalign.html) expert. "An issue in the growth of the jaw is typically to blame. Simple overbites can be corrected by using braces, but for more serious cases, an orthodontist has traditionally used headgear to correct the overbite."

Forsus has changed that. By permanently affixing to braces, the Forsus springs work the way traditional rubber bands work, but don't need to be replaced. It works by repositioning the jaw, and can only be used in patients who are still experiencing jaw growth. That means it may not be appropriate for use in adult orthodontics patients.

Using the appliance can improve teeth alignment, reduce overbite (http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/early-orthodontic-tr...) and allow for proper jaw growth in adolescent patients.

The Forsus springs system is made up of spring rod coils that attach to a band on the upper molars on each side of a patient's mouth. A metal spring is then attached to the front archwire on the bottom. It will improve teeth alignment by reducing an overbite, while still allowing for proper jaw growth. Forsus will apply a gentle and steady pressure to the patient's mouth to push the upper arch back, while at the same time bringing the lower arch forward. The front teeth will be aligned over time until the bite the orthodontist thinks is best is achieved.

Forsus springs stay in place for an average of six to nine months, based on the severity of a patient's malocclusion. An orthodontist will adjust the system every eight to 10 weeks. Patients typically do not notice an effect on their speech or eating habits while wearing the system.

Wearing Forsus has a few advantages for the patient. One of the most important is its ease. Traditional braces require elastics that depend on the patient's remembering to use them to be effective. Headgear is the same -its outcome depends on the patient remembering to wear it, and wear it as prescribed by the orthodontist. Failure to use headgear or elastics properly may hinder the orthodontist's ability to create a perfect smile.

"Forsus removes that from being an issue," says Kanani, whose Surrey area practice also fits patients with invisible braces (http://www.invisibleorthodontics.ca/). "Parents no longer have to remind their children over and over again to use their elastics or wear their headgear, and teenagers no longer have to be burdened with the task of remembering. Once an orthodontist places Forsus in a patient's mouth, it's there until he takes it out, and it is continuously working, without the patient even having to think about it."

Pairing Forsus with the wearing of braces can correct bites much quicker than the traditional use of elastics. And because it is so effective, many patients can avoid needing jaw surgery in the future. Teenagers also love it because it isn't as unsightly and noticeable as headgear.

Forsus is unique because it combines the ease that teen patients and their parents long for, but still has the effectiveness required by orthodontists. And best of all, it can be placed in one quick appointment. It is easy to clean by simply maintaining regular brushing and flossing habits. Because it allows for a full range of mouth motion, speech will not be inhibited by the use of Forsus. Just as with wearing of braces, hard and sticky foods should continue to be avoided so as not to damage the appliance.

For parents and their teenagers looking for the best option to easily correct a Class II malocclusion such as an overbite, Forsus is the reliable option. With its constant and gentle pressure on the teeth, it effectively moves teeth and guides the jaw to create the desired results. Forsus is one treatment patients, their parents and their orthodontists can all agree on.


© 2013 BC Orthodontics Group, Master Google and Invisalign Vancouver. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Invisible Orthodontics are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.