Forsus

One of the most common problems orthodontics treat is the discrepancy that occurs when the upper teeth protrude beyond the lower. Ordinarily, when we see a patient with the upper teeth protruding, we tend to think that the upper jaw and teeth are too far forward; but, more often than not, this condition is due to a small lower jaw that is further back than it should be. With these patients, we would like to encourage the lower jaw to catch up in growth. At Jacaranda Orthodontics, Dr Khakhria researched all the options and has found that braces in combination with the “Forsus” appliance can help the lower jaw significantly. The appliance is kept in place usually no more than 6 months while the braces are on.

Even though the Forsus appliance prevents the lower jaw from moving backward, opening and closing movement still occur easily, and patients do not have any problems learning to chew their food with their lower jaw in this new position.

As with all kinds of braces, patients with Forsus appliances need to be careful about what they eat. Sticky foods such as caramels, bubble gum and candy suckers will pull the brace away from the teeth. Hard foods like crisp vegetables and hard candies will bend and loosen the Forsus appliance, too. So stay away from these foods during your orthodontic treatment.

Your Forsus appliance will be checked and adjusted at your appointments. If, sometimes between appointments, you develop some sore areas on the inside of your cheeks, please do not try to adjust the appliance yourself. Call the office at (954) 452-9988 for an appointment so that the necessary adjustments can be made.

Wearing a Forsus Appliance
At first, your mouth will feel unusually full and speaking will be awkward. But if you practice reading aloud, your ordinary speech will return quickly (within an hour). You may also notice more saliva than normal, but this will decrease as you become accustomed to the appliance.

This appliance works best in younger patients who still have some growth remaining. For older teens and adults, the effect is more focused on teeth moving as opposed to the jaw moving forward.