THE PENDEX OR PENDULUM APPLIANCE
1. This appliance moves the molars back to create space for other teeth
and/or to correct a protrusion of the upper teeth. This usually avoids the
extraction of permanent teeth.
2. After the molars are moved back, they will be held by another
appliance (a Nance) while the side teeth and front teeth are moved back
into the space.
3. Food will get caught around the appliance so all patients are
encouraged to use a Water Pic. All patients must
use fluoride, and we ask that sweets and soft drinks be eliminated
because of the hard-to-clean areas.
Expansion Appliances
Your expander must be turned with a "key". How often you turn the expander will depend on the instructions you receive from Dr. Rogers and Dr. Andrews. Follow them carefully.
Your expander is turned by placing the "key" into the key hole in the center screw and gently push the key towards the back of the mouth. You will notice a new hole appear in the front when the expander is turned all the way to the back.
A noticeable effect of the divider is that the front teeth begin to separate. This is a sign that the expander is working properly. The space will begin to close naturally when turning has stopped, but the bone segments stay in place.
Food will get caught around the expander so all patients are encouraged to use a WaterPik or similar device. All patients must use fluoride, and we ask that sweets and soft drinks be eliminated because of the hard to clean area.
After the expansion screw has been turned the proper amount, the patient will continue to wear the expander for several months. This allows the mouth to stabilize and insures that the widening will not relapse.
Never turn your expander more than two times per day.
Sometimes turning the key of your expander causes slight pain near the bridge of the nose and out toward the cheekbones.
It will be difficult to talk and swallow at first, but after approximately 10 days you will become accustomed to your expander. Hang in there!!!
