where it all began
Orthodontics.
Within the direct ortho world we fabricate everything an orthodontist could need. From space maintainers to expanders, phase I retainers, habit appliances, functional appliances, pontics, to post treatment retainers, we love to do it all.
Hawley Retainers
The basis of a hawley is a Hawley bow wire across the anterior, some posterior clasping, and an acrylic palate. With some minor modifications we can transform the classic Hawley into many functional appliances.
3-3 Hawley Bow With Posterior Clasping
Specifically for mixed dentition cases. A 2-2 Hawley bow with strong retention clasping on 5 year molars.
Although not technically a Hawley, this retainer has no loops but rather a strong flat wire across the anterior.
This varriety has Hawley loops on the laterals with adjustable extensions to the cuspids.
- Anterior Bite Plate
- Posterior Bite Plate
- Anterior Blanket
- Habit Hole
- Finger Spring
- Mushroom Spring
- Elastic Finger Spring
- Thumb Crib
- Tongue Pearl
- Ball Clasp
- Interproximal Clasp
- Adam Clasp
- C-Clasp
A simple alternative to the Hawley retainer. There are a few different materials each with their own advantage. Invisacryl “A” is the traditional clear retainer. Invisacryl “C” is a semiclear acrylic that is more flexible and better withstands clenching. Invisacryl “Ultra” is ultra clear and ultra durable for those that may be prone to grinding.
Clear Retainers
Active Plates
Removable appliances used to expand, straighten, and overall adjust dentition.
Either anterior or posterior, this acrylic plate is made just to open occlusion and aid other orthodontic procedures.
Taking the original Hawley design and adding an adjustable anterior lingual pad this active retainer can straighten the incisors with ease.
Usually reserved for the mandibular this miniature spring only goes from 3-3 and is designed to straighten the incisors.
Using the basics of a Hawley, two expansion screws are added along the mid-line for stable lateral movement.
This plate opens the sagittal suture. Commonly made with a three way screw that expands the anterior and the midline.
Combination of a maxillary and mandibular removable expanders.
This plate is unique in the fact that is expands the anterior portion of a maxillary arch while maintaining the position of the molars.
Habit Appliances
When a thumb sucking habit or tongue habit is persistent intervention may be needed by way of a number of appliances.
When thumb sucking becomes an extreme issue intervention is needed and the thumb crib may be an answer. Using bands on the molars We add a lingual arch wire and more that impedes the ability for one to acquire suction on the premaxilla.
Using bands on the molars we add a lingual arch wire with another set of wires that curl down within the mandibular arch to prevent extreme thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Instead of just preventing a tongue habit this appliance provides an alternative. with bands on the molars we add a lingual arch wire with acrylic ‘pearls’ that spin freely for the patient to focus their tongue on.
The most simple of the habit appliances that can be used for either tongue or thumb habits. Using bands on the molars we use a single wire to stretch across the premaxilla in a wave pattern.
Fixed Expansion Appliances
WIth bands placed on the molars, expansion can be acquired through a number of appliances.
- Facemask Hooks
- Ligation Loops
- Posterior or Anterior Bite Plate
- Tongue/Thumb Crib
The Rapid Palatal Expander is the classic appliance used for maxillary expansion. Using a high quality 4 arm screw from Forestadent we solder it to bands with arms stretching across the posterior teeth.
Using the same principals as the RPE we use a 2 arm screw from Forestadent soldered to bands with arms stretching across the posterior teeth.
This expander is not only tooth borne but has an acrylic pad on either side of the palate that is tissue born to increase lateral movement transversely.
For expansion on the maxillary or mandibular this single wire appliance is highly adjustable by the doctor to make multiple minute adjustments.
Using the same principles of the W Arch we place four helical loops along the wire for higher tension but keeps the same adjustability.
With a mini screw, arms across the posterior teeth and a couple occlusal rests, we make an effective expander for the mandibular.
When slight unilateral mandibular expansion is need this self acting expander can be the perfect solution. This simple appliance uses only a lingual arch wire and a coil spring along one posterior side.
For slight bilateral expansion this self acting appliance can be the perfect solution. This is done by using a lingual arch wire and an anterior coil spring. For stability we place bond-able rests on on the premolars.
This fixed expander is unique in the fact that is expands the anterior portion of a maxillary arch while maintaining the position of the molars.
Using a small spur, this space maintainer is used to prevent an erupting tooth from moving into the place of another unerupted tooth or to guide a tooth’s eruption.
When the arch is stable except for that one edentulous space a band and loop is commonly prescribed.
With bands placed on either side of the arch we custom bend a lingual arch wire with adjustment loops.
This space mainter is reserved for the maxillary and helps prevent the arch from collapsing. molars from drifting. Using bands on the first molars we a solder a wire that leads to an acrylic button in the premaxilla.
The Transpalatal Arch is a very functional alternative to the nance. A simple wire with an omega loop is soldered to the first molars and allows for molar movement. Be it rotation, expansion or constriction, torque, or just space maintenance this appliance does it all.
This fixed retainer is usually for post treatment space maintenance. Using either a lightweight wire or a braided wire we can fabricate a straight bondable retainer or if flossing is a concern we can make a ‘flossable’ version that loops to the gingival of each tooth.
Space Maintainers
Not everything in orthodontics works on a perfect time line and sometimes there is a waiting game; that is where space maintainers come in. Whether a tooth was lost prematurely or you just finished some expansion we have the perfect appliance to hold the space for whatever may be next.
- Hooks to hold interproximal space
- Lingual arms for maxillary to hold posterior teeth
- Facemask Hooks
- Ligation Loops
functional appliances
By taking advantage of natural growth in an adolescent, this removable appliance is used to correct Class II malocclusion.
The Bionator I is used to open the posterior of a patient’s bite.
The Bionator II is used when the bite needs to be closed.
This removable appliance promotes growth in adolescents by affecting not only developing dentition but also developing muscle and bone. There are multiple variations of The Frankel but modification II is the most popular.
Frankel II is for promoting transverse growth across both arches and advancement of the mandible.
This fixed appliance is for correcting Class II occlusion by promoting jaw growth. To make this, we use a stainless steel framework inside maxillary and mandibular acrylic guards with Scheu adjustable arms. The mandibular acrylic covers the full arch, while the maxillary acrylic only sits over the posterior.
This uses the same concept as the original Herbst however this one is removable and has full coverage acrylic on both arches. In the same way we make this using a stainless steel framework inside maxillary and mandibular acrylic guards with Scheu adjustable arms.
This appliances uses maxillary and mandibular retainers with some added features to correct Class II occlusion. Blocks of acrylic are added to the occlusal of both arches that work together in pulling the mandibular protrusive. Expansion screws can be added to adjust the arch transversely as well.
Diagnostic Models
Working models cleaned up and sent back to the doctor and used for diagnostic purposes.
Working Models
Simple yellow stone models cut so they can stand in occlusion on their heels.
Sports guard designed for ortho patients.
Braces shouldn’t keep kids from being active but it does mean they have to be a little more careful. With doctors collaboration we can make a soft sports guard designed to protect but one that also allows for tooth movement.