Forsus Springs offer a solution for severe overbites that orthodontists may use to fix the issue in developing teens. They are also appropriate for adults, though they work best on jaws that are still growing. This means that the sooner you are evaluated and treated for this issue, the better.
Continue reading to find out more about the types of Forsus Springs (braces springs) and why your orthodontist may recommend them for you.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
What exactly are Forsus Springs?
Forsus Springs come in different configurations, but they have the same basic parts. The first is a bracket on the back molar, often attached to the patient’s braces. From that bracket, a spring leads from the upper teeth to the front of the lower teeth, hooking the appliance by a force rod to the side of the lower front teeth.
They are considered long-term appliances due to their use during braces treatment. After at least 8 months of braces, your orthodontist may attach Forsus Springs and leave them in place for 4 months (up to 6). At your appointments, your provider will evaluate your jaw position and potentially take the Forsus Springs off early if they’ve completed their job.
This job is to correct overbites, which occur when the top jaw closes too far in front of the bottom jaw. This can cause numerous dental health problems related to chewing or even speaking. Jaw pain, tooth damage, or even gum disease and tooth decay can result from an untreated overbite.
When are Forsus Springs prescribed?
Forsus Springs are an appliance that essentially fills the role of the elastic bands that orthodontists often use for bite correction in tandem with braces. However, these bands can be removed, may contain materials that a patient is allergic to, or be obstructive for young patients. Forsus Springs can serve as a permanent replacement for the bands, one that doesn’t need to be removed or messed with during treatment.
Additionally, orthodontic elastics are not as powerful as Forsus Springs. If the overbite is severe enough, Forsus Springs may be necessary. Permanent teeth sometimes need to be extracted to correct severe overbites, but Forsus Springs can make this unnecessary.
Not all overbites are the same, so your orthodontist will need to evaluate the structures in your mouth before deciding whether Forsus Springs would be appropriate for your case.
How are Forsus Springs put in?
At your initial appointment, your orthodontist will make sure the Forsus Springs fit on your braces and teeth before applying them. This is a generally painless, quick procedure that takes nearly the same amount of time as a normal checkup.
Many patients wonder what the Forsus Springs will feel like in their mouth. The good news is that after wearing braces for nearly a year, you will be used to most of the sensations that come with Forsus Springs and may not even notice them.
However, during the first week of your new appliance, you may experience some soreness in your cheeks, especially if you sleep on one side of your face. This should subside. However, if the problem persists, you can ask your orthodontist for a “dry angle.” These are cotton triangle buffers that you can put in your mouth to hold the springs away from your cheek while you sleep on that side.
You have probably seen these triangles at the dentist’s office when they need to keep your mouth open and your cheeks away from where they’re working.
What’s next after getting Forsus Springs?
Every 6 weeks after having your Forsus Springs installed, you will need additional checkups so your provider can monitor the progress of your bite correction and perform adjustments if needed.
An important thing to keep in mind throughout your treatment is that additional structures in your mouth mean more places for food and drink to get stuck and form plaque and tartar if you’re not careful. Make sure to angle your toothbrush to thoroughly clean every cranny of your Forsus Springs.
Though it can be awkward, you will also still need to floss in the area attached to the appliance. If it’s difficult, you can always use a Waterpik to clean your teeth and gums in the trouble spots.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you’re an adult who is considering braces, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.