4200 Dorchester Blvd (suite 100)
Westmount, Québec, H3Z 1V4
Caring for your Quad HelixThe Quad Helix is an appliance used to expand the palate. It is cemented by bands on the six-year molars, and is activated at each visit until the adequate expansion is obtained. After this, the appliance must be worn for approximately three months before it is removed. |
How to care for your Quad HelixThis appliance is relatively easy to care for, since it is cemented in place. You should be sure to brush well on the palate and all around the appliance. Try to check after each brushing that the appliance is clean, and free of food. |
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What you can eatIn order to prevent the appliance from becoming loose or distorted the following foods should be avoided: Nuts, Caramels, Taffy, “Jube-Jubes”, Bubble Gum (Sugarless Gum is okay), and also avoid chewing on pens, ice cubes or hard candy. |
What to do if the appliance becomes looseYou should be able to tell if the appliance becomes loose. It is important to call and make an appointment to re-cement the appliance as soon as you notice it is loose. A loose appliance can irritate the gums around it, and can allow food to become trapped under it, which could increase the risk of cavities. |
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Adapting to your new applianceFor the first little while it will feel a little different to speak and to swallow, you may also find that there is more saliva in the mouth, these are all normal things that just require a little time to get used to. You may also find that the bands on the molars may irritate your cheek. If this happens just use the orthodontic wax that is provided and the problem should go away. When the appliance is activated it is normal to feel pressure on the roof of the mouth. If needed you can take a pain reliever such as Advil. After the initial week or so less pressure is usually noted. |
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