Forsus is a spring like appliance used to correct large horizontal discrepancies between upper and lower teeth and jaws, mainly where the lower jaw is at fault, not projecting sufficiently far forward.
As other mandibular advancement (lower jaw repositioning) appliances, it works by bringing and maintaining the lower jaw forward until sufficient growth and tooth movement has occurred. Despite the expected skeletal changes, most of the correction is achieved by moving the lower teeth forward and upper teeth backward until overjet is fully corrected. These springs are used in conjunction with braces and are worn for 4-6 months.
Forsus helps reduce time spent with braces, and reduces need for rubber bands, and other compliance-based appliances, such headgear.
Initial Placement
The Forsus appliance is placed after the patient has been in braces for several months already, preparing the upper and lower arches for the bite correction.
Forsus has two components, the spring that attaches to the upper molar band, and the push rod that attaches to the lower wire. When those two components are connected together, the spring can apply a forward force on the lower jaw.
The first week to two after the initial placement of the appliance, the inside of your cheeks may be irritated. You may also experience some tenderness in the muscles of your cheeks and jaws.
Over the counter pain medicine may help with the initial discomfort, and wax or gooshy goo have proven to be useful against soft tissue irritation.
Chewing may also be difficult at first. Cutting food into smaller pieces and avoiding sticky or hard foods will help you eat more comfortably and avoid breakage of the appliance.
Activations
Your Forsus appliance will be checked and activated every 6- 8 weeks. Gradual activations will amount to the desired correction.
Hygiene
Patients are encouraged to clean the appliance with the tooth brush and toothpaste, taking special care when brushing the bands and the spring portion of the appliance.
If not properly cleaned, excessive calculus may build up inside of the spring, and it may prevent normal closure of the mouth.
Use of a Waterpik may help rinse out bigger food particles that may get wedged between the teeth and the Forsus components.
Helpful Tips for Your Forsus Appliance
If the push rod slides out of the spring while opening your mouth, open wide again and guide the rod back into the spring as you close. If you are unable to slide it back, you can also use floss to tie the spring to the upper wire, and the rod to the lower wire until you can make it to the office.
Even though opening and closing your mouth can still be done easily, side-to-side movement is restricted due to the rigidity of the components. Such movement should be kept to a minimum, as it may cause breakage of the appliance.
To learn more about the Forsus spring appliance in Poway, California, please call Align Orthodontics at 858-487-0173 and schedule an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Mirna Nguyen.