Page 1 of 1
What is this called? Pics
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 5:30 pm
by WeezieGirl25
Ok so what is the name of this appliance in my mouth?? Is it an RPE or is it called something else?? Is it only an RPE if you have to turn it with a key?? I just want to know what the name of this metal thing is. Sorry if the photo is a little off... it was hard keeping the camera level when I stuck it in my mouth!
What is the metal thing called??
This is my teeth yesterday when I was braced
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:17 pm
by rsprouse
As to the device - a TPA perhaps? I'm not sure.
Correct for $500...
Best,
Rory
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:29 pm
by Clo
Well, I don't want to be difficult but I think it is wrong !
You can click on the pic so you can see it closer. Then I see two helix's and
some bars running on the inside of the molars and premolars.
So, my guess is this is a bihelix expander.
It will expand your upper arch, due to its "spring" effect. Indeed this kind
of expander does not work with a key. It wants to get wider because now
it is under tension. As it will get wider, your arch will expand.
Now ... if I am right, what do I win ....
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:21 am
by rsprouse
Well, I don't want to be difficult but I think it is wrong !
You can click on the pic so you can see it closer. Then I see two helix's and
some bars running on the inside of the molars and premolars.
So, my guess is this is a bihelix expander.
It will expand your upper arch, due to its "spring" effect. Indeed this kind
of expander does not work with a key. It wants to get wider because now
it is under tension. As it will get wider, your arch will expand.
Now ... if I am right, what do I win ....
Clo,
A bihelix is used to expand the mandibular arch and not the maxillary arch. You are correct about the bars, but it is hard to tell exactly what kind of appliance it is due to the resolution of the photo. I would buy a TPA/Quadhelix/Bluegrass hybrid of sort. A bihelix will mimic the form of the arch and run along the lingual of the anterior teeth as well. But due to the lack of springs or circular bends in the appliance I say a TPA of sorts. As always, YMMV and I have been wrong before in the past.
Regards,
Rory
