PATIENT EDUCATION
The Pendex Appliance is fixed in place and uses an expansion screw to widen the upper jaw and pushes the upper teeth in a backward direction. This typically serves to correct both crowding, and in some cases, flaring of the upper front teeth. This appliance is often used when functional appliances or headgear cannot deliver optimal results.
How does the Pendex appliance work?
The Pendex Appliance consists of a plastic "button" that touches the roof of the mouth and resilient wire springs that act in a broad swinging arch to move the molars back. Within this button, there is a keyhole where you are to place the key and turn it according to instructions given. This turning will widen the appliance, thus widening your upper palate. The appliance is not removable.
When is the appliance activated?
The Pendex Appliance is activated (or turned) once per day for a period of four weeks.
Depending on the severity of the problem, you may increase or decrease the amount of turns. After approxi mately four weeks of activation, the doctor will make an additional adjustment which will begin to move the molar teeth in a backward direction.
How long will I wear the appliance?
This appliance is typically left in place for an average of eight months.
Instructions to follow:
Use the activation key with the blue plastic handle.- Activate or turn the appliance once per day, usually at bedtime.
- The appliance is activated by rotating the key down and back toward the throat, one-quarter turn. Push the key backward until you see the next hole appear. Remove the key by pushing it downward toward the tongue.
- During the activation of the appliance, some pressure may be experienced at the bridge of the nose or on the upper teeth. After approximately one week, a space may open up between the front teeth. It is also normal for this space to close as the gum tissue brings the front teeth back together over the next few weeks.
- It is very important that excellent oral hygiene be maintained while this ap pliance is in place. Daily salt water rinses are essential in maintaining the health of the gum tissue around the appliance. The use of a "Water Pik" is helpful in keeping the roof of the mouth clean. Food will have the tendency to collect around the screw.
- During the active turning phase of this appliance, it is of utmost importance that the patient be seen on a bi-weekly basis. If for some reason the patient missed an appointment, expanding the appliance should be discontinued.
If the appliance should appear to be loose or if there is persistent pain, call our office for an appointment as soon as possible.