Dental Expanders, Fixed Appliances

Quad Helix

The Quad Helix can be constructed as a fixed or a removable appliance using .036 wire. It is used to widen the arch form with the aid of helices bent at the four corners of the appliance and lingual wires extending anteriorly. All of our Quad appliances are bent from straight wire allowing us to contour the vault accordingly while maintaining the integrity of the wire compared to pre-bent. Indications include all crossbites that need expansion, mild expansion in mixed dentition cases, Class III cases that need expansion, Class II cases, and cleft palate patients. A tongue crib and facemask hooks can be incorporated into the design.

Additional Options, Materials & Treatment Information

Treatment & Care

There are two ways to activate the quad helix before placing it in the mouth. Ricketts et al. (1979) originally suggested that operators activate the appliance with three-pronged pliers to incorporate expansion and molar-rotating force. Another method proposed by Kholoki (1995) employs an arch form chosen from a pentamorphic chart that serves as a pattern for regulating the quad helix.

This appliance should be cleaned every day with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, morning and night. Encourage the patient to give sufficient time to clean thoroughly around the appliance, gums, teeth, and bands to maintain proper hygiene and prevent inflammation. 3 minutes is recommended.

Materials

Wire: American Orthodontics Chromium Cobalt

Additional Options

AO Maximum Retention Bands
Leone Web Bands
AO .022 Slot w/ Hook
AO Headgear and .022 Slot with Hook
AO MBT w/hook
AO Double Slot w/ Hook

More About Quad Helix

Also Known As:

Quad-helix appliance, QH appliance, 4-arm appliance

Who Made Me:

Robert Murray Ricketts invented the quad helix appliance in 1975. The quad helix is an orthodontic appliance that’s used to treat a variety of issues, including: Crowded teeth, Crossbite, Narrow jaw.

Ricketts based the quad helix on Porter’s W arch, which was originally used to treat cleft palate patients. Ricketts added four helical loops to the W arch, which increased the wire length and made the appliance more flexible. The longer wire provided a greater range of activation, which softened the forces and made it easier to control molar rotations.

The quad helix is made of stainless steel wire and is cemented to bands that are attached to the patient’s molars. The length of the palatal arms can be adjusted depending on which teeth are in a crossbite

The Dental is in the Details

We’re driven by hard-work and a relentless passion for dental excellence. It’s simple. ODL’s highly skilled lab technicians utilize the finest materials available to achieve ideal results for you and your patients. We stand by our craftsmanship and strive to exceed your expectations with every appliance.

Revolutionize the way you serve your patients with the Quad Helix

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Quad Helix