Palatal Expansion

The Leaf Spring Activated Expander from Leone is an evolution in design from the spring-loaded expander, designed with the technical and scientific collaboration of Dr. Claudio Lanteri and Mr. Filippo Francolini. Its small size body and two Nickel Titanium Memoria® leaf springs allow the release of calibrated and continuous forces to promote the dental expansion of the maxillary arch. Re-loading is needed when the two opposing leaf springs move apart. The intraoral activation will put the springs in contact again. Available in both 6 and 9mm of expansion and 450 grams and 900 grams of force. With each expansion appliance, we provide a custom swivel key that has an integrated activation recording tool directly on the handle.

The RPE is typically used in phase I treatment to widen the arch, either before or during fixed treatment. Our expanders come in 7 or 11 mm screws and vary in activation depending on the style. Now you can request the metal framework be 3D printed for the most predictable and accurate fit.  The simple two appointment process starts with a scan at appointment one and then delivery on the following date—no need for separators.   

Taken from “The Mandibular E-Arch” by Neal Kravitz, the E-arch is a fixed, spring-loaded expander for slow expansion of the maxillary or mandibular arches. Developed by Arnold, and popularized by Berkowitz, the E-arch was invented for maxillary orthopedic expansion in patients with cleft palates. In the mandible, the E-arch can create a modest amount (4 to 5 mm) of arch space in the lower anterior region by orthodontic tipping (rather than orthopedic change) of the lower posterior teeth, as well as distalization of the first molars. The appliance consists of a 0.040-inch tube-like frame with a NiTi open coil spring. Seating the E-arch compresses the open coil spring and activates expansion. Therefore, the E-arch is ideal where patient compliance or parent cooperation is a concern. The E- arch is typically banded to the first permanent molars; however, if these teeth have not fully erupted, bands can be placed on the second deciduous molars. In these situations, the clinician may consider placing lingual extension arms to prevent the second deciduous molars from expanding further than the first permanent molars.

The Williams Expander is used for lower expansion. Tubes are laser welded on the lingual bars to accommodate a Ni-Ti wire which is used to round out the anterior during expansion. It is recommended to incorporate occlusal rests. With each expansion appliance, we provide a custom swivel key that has an integrated activation recording tool directly on the handle.

The HAAS expander appliance incorporates an acrylic plate within the vault of the palate with an expansion screw. Lingual arms are laser welded to the bands integrated into the acrylic. Dr. Haas believed that more palatal coverage reduced tipping and supplied more bodily movement because of the additional coverage on the palate. With each expansion appliance, we provide a custom swivel key that has an integrated activation recording tool directly on the handle. HAAS Expander metal framework is 3D printed for the most predictable and accurate fit. The simple two-appointment process starts with a scan at appointment one and then delivery on the following date. No need for separators. Our skilled digital technicians can help you conceptualize a design that provides maximum retention for the expander appliance. Metal can be designed that runs snug to the lingual with exact fitting rests over the occlusion. Options are available to cup the lingual and the buccal. This revolutionary expander technology will change the way you serve your patients.

The Snap Lock Expander is designed to prevent unwinding of the screw. It does not turn back unless the doctor or patient turns it back. The hole in the spindle is always in the right place for reactivation for parents reducing frustration. When the Snap Lock Expander is properly activated by 1/4 turn, both the patient and doctor will be able to feel the screw lock. If the appliance is overactivated, the Snap Lock Expander can be turned back. With each expansion appliance, we provide a custom swivel key that has an integrated activation recording tool directly on the handle.

The fan expander (fan RPE) allows for rapid expansion of the palate widening the arch of the anterior section while still maintaining the expansion at the molar level. This appliance self-deactivates when maximum expansion has been achieved preventing over-treatment. The Fan RPE is commonly used for patients with cleft palates and comes in 7 and 11 mm. With each expansion appliance, we provide a custom swivel key that has an integrated activation recording tool directly on the handle.