questions about quad helix

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#1 Post by **fldhkybnva** » Thu May 22, 2008 4:56 pm

In just a little over a month, I have scheduled the big day. I'll be getting both upper and lower braces and a quad helix. From my understanding the purpose of the quad helix is to expand the palate. however, does anyone know how this works in adults considering that the bones are already fused? also, did anyone that had a palate expander have a noticeable change in face structure?

#2 Post by **Delag** » Fri May 23, 2008 4:57 pm

This is a sticky point. I just had SARPE to expand my narrow upper and according to my doctors there is no way expansion will work without surgery. They say the result is tipped molars. On the other hand, there are many members here who say they have had sucess without surgery. My advice would be to keep doing your homework. Before you get the braces on, check with a couple of orthodontists and an oral surgeon or two. It is better to be sure of your decision before you get braced. There is a 60 page SARPE thread over on the surgery board with tons of info if you want to check it out. Best of luck finding the info you need.

#3 Post by **Gennel** » Sat May 24, 2008 8:59 am

I think it's just the teeth that are moved outward and not the jaw . It will give the appearance that there is expansion. I had my lower molars tilted inward and my mouth had little space. I had a bihelix that I wore for 7 months and I now have more space and my molars are upright .The surrounding bone on those teeth will follow movement but the jaw itself stays in the same position. Sometimes surgery is the only other option for this.... Try google and word it differently. I have found tons of orthodontic info on google and here of course.

Gennel

#4 Post by **cosmicgirl** » Sat May 24, 2008 12:18 pm

Hi!
I'm an oldie who's had a had a narrow palate all her life. I had an expander when I was 12 and didn't think it made much difference and now, at 46 I had a helix fitted to correct my cross bite - and amazingly - it has done the trick! It stayed in for just over three months, caused MAJOR annoyance but it was worth it as now my teeth meet on both sides of my mouth. I wouldn't have thought it has altered my palate - not in the way surgery would, but rather that it moved my top teeth a bit further out. Anyway, it worked and I'm just hoping my teeth will stay put in their new position!

#5 Post by **felix the helix** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:45 am

I have had my quad helix for over a year and I am very happy with the improvement. People say my face has changed shape and I agree - happily it is all for the better

#6 Post by **unabraces** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 12:00 am

how has your face shape changed? did it get fuller?

#7 Post by **BenB** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 1:39 am

I've had the helix in since the beginning and it was annoying at the start but I got used to it, it has done it's job and will be coming off next visit

I haven't noticed any facial changes with me either

#8 Post by **afr3sh** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:37 am

I noticed a pretty big difference in face shape, but it was completely positive. I actually have pronounced cheekbones now, and my face is much more symmetrical. Before I had it, you could literally only see 3 of my teeth when I smiled, but now my smile is wider. Overall, it will give you a more "modelesque" bone structure. You definitely will be happy with the changes!

#9 Post by **unabraces** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:45 pm

i've had the quad helix for a month and all that it's doing is tipping my teeth. my upper teeth does not align with my bottom arch anymore. i've asked my ortho about the tipping and he said don't worry we'll fix it. i should have asked how and in more detail, but he said something about a square wire??

anyone care to clarify or share their experience with the quad helix and tipped teeth?

thanks.